Sat Aug 02 04:00:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Seattle Storm’s Gabby Williams is advocating for changes in the WNBA’s CBA, particularly regarding the prioritization rule, which penalizes players who arrive late for training camp due to overseas commitments. She credits Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 league, for helping WNBA players return on time, highlighting the insufficient WNBA salaries that necessitate off-season play. Williams is pushing for a future where players can sustain themselves playing in just one league, and criticized the WNBA for not offering enough money.

**News Article:**

**Storm’s Gabby Williams Calls for WNBA Pay Raise, Credits Unrivaled League for Aiding Player Returns**

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – As WNBA CBA negotiations intensify, Seattle Storm forward Gabby Williams is emerging as a leading voice for change. Speaking on the “Good Game with Sarah Spain” podcast, Williams highlighted the role of the Unrivaled women’s 3-on-3 basketball league in ensuring WNBA players arrive on time for training camp, despite the WNBA’s apparent disapproval.

“I think Unrivaled saved the WNBA’s butt this year,” Williams stated, referring to the prioritization rule that fines players who are not in their team’s market by training camp or May 1st. Williams, affected by the rule due to her commitments to the French national team, argued the WNBA’s current salaries aren’t enough.

The Storm forward emphasized the need for players to sustain themselves by playing in only one league, whether it’s the WNBA, Unrivaled, or overseas. “We don’t want to play multiple seasons, that’s the whole point. But unfortunately, the income in the W just isn’t appealing enough for us to only play in the W,” she explained, hinting at potentially leaving the WNBA for better offers elsewhere.

During All-Star Weekend, Williams was even more blunt when she told reporters that “The [WNBA] needs to pay us more. That’s obviously why they don’t want us in these leagues.”

Unrivaled, co-founded by WNBA All-Stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, has faced criticism, but co-founder Alex Bazzell expressed hope for a successful CBA agreement. Williams’ comments underscore the growing tension between players and the league regarding compensation and the need for off-season opportunities.

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