WNBA Star Claims League Wants to 'Push Unrivaled Out' Amid Tense CBA Negotiations

“Especially being in the CBA meeting yesterday, it’s very clear that the league wants to push away all other leagues without still paying us more than those other leagues pay us,” Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams told the media Friday.

“It would make sense if they were paying us more here but it still isn't the case, even with the new proposal. And it’s very clear now that they want to push Unrivaled out, push [Athletes Unlimited] out…so I think now more than ever it’s important to push against these kinds of issues.”

Williams has been outspoken about the low wages the WNBA offers its players and has, in the past, opted to sit out seasons in favor of playing overseas, where compensation for women’s basketball is significantly higher.

Unrivaled co-founder and Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, responded to critics that claimed the 3x3 league is a conflict of interest––saying if CBA negotiations fail, players would just leave and go play for Unrivaled––in a July 10 postgame interview.

"There's no like rivalry. We support one another," Collier said. "I think both of us lift each other up. You know, we're not in competing seasons, we're in opposite seasons and the W success is Unrivaled success and vice versa."

"We're trying to get players paid," Collier continued. "We're trying to grow players brands to keep them relevant in the offseason. ... I don't know where that like rivalry narrative comes from because all we try to do is lift players up. We've never said we're in competition with the W."

The current CBA ends in October and if there isn’t a negotiation reached, Collier, who also serves as vice president of the WNBPA, has said players are prepared for a lockout.

With the way things seem to be going, it’s apparent there is a ways to go in order for that not to happen.