
Tue Jul 08 11:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
Negotiations between the WNBPA and the WNBA for a new collective bargaining agreement are progressing slowly, with significant disagreements remaining. The WNBPA feels the league’s initial response to their proposals was inadequate. Players are seeking improved revenue sharing, higher salaries, expanded rosters, and a voice in media rights negotiations. The upcoming All-Star weekend meeting in Indianapolis is anticipated to be crucial, with the union potentially considering a work stoppage if significant progress isn’t made. The players believe they understand the business aspects of the WNBA, despite claims to the contrary from the league.
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**News Article:**
**WNBA CBA Negotiations Stalled: Players Union Frustrated with League’s Response**
**NEW YORK** – With the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and the WNBA set to expire at the end of the season, negotiations for a new deal appear to be at a standstill. Players have expressed frustration with the league’s initial response to their proposals, describing it as a “slap in the face” and “polar opposite” to what they’re seeking.
The WNBPA, representing the players, is pushing for significant changes, including revenue sharing, increased salaries, expanded rosters, and a seat at the table for media rights negotiations. They argue that the WNBA’s recent surge in popularity, evidenced by increased TV viewership, attendance, and a $2.2 billion media rights deal, justifies a greater share of the financial benefits for the players. The WNBA is also rapidly expanding with significant franchise fees being paid.
“It’s like, we’re not even talking about the same thing right now,” said WNBPA Vice President Breanna Stewart following a Liberty practice. “We’re talking about X’s and O’s at this point and completely different sides of the game.”
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike also noted commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s perception that “players don’t understand the business”.
The slow pace of negotiations has raised concerns among players, who opted out of the current deal last October, giving both sides a year to reach an agreement. With just over three months remaining, a critical meeting is scheduled to take place during All-Star weekend in Indianapolis later this month.
“We want to have a growing portion of the revenue share,” said Ogwumike. “We want this league to be exactly what it is today and more. So I’m hoping that something positive progressive yields from this meeting that we’ll have in Indy.”
WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson has not ruled out a potential work stoppage if a fair agreement cannot be reached. The upcoming meeting is expected to be tense, with Stewart describing it as “spicy.” The outcome will be crucial in determining the future of the WNBA and the relationship between the league and its players.
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