WNBPA Player Leadership Opts Out of CBA Early, Demands Transformative Changes

The elected members of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) player leadership have officially opted out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), two years before its expiration, following the advice and recommendation of an advisory committee comprised of leading experts from various fields. Based on this decision, the current CBA will conclude on October 31, 2025, giving both sides approximately a year to negotiate a new agreement. The voting group consisted of the WNBA Executive Committee and Player Reps including New York Liberty Championship-winning players Breanna Stewart, Kayla Thornton, and Sabrina Ionescu.

The early opt-out marks a critical juncture for the league, as players demand a business model that reflects their true value, encompassing higher salaries, enhanced professional working conditions, expanded health benefits, and crucial investments needed for long-term growth.

The WNBA has been skyrocketing, with 2024 marking a historic breakthrough after several seasons of significant and sustained growth. ESPN regular season viewership shot up 170%, CBS Sports saw an 86% jump, and attendance reached a 22-year high, up 48%. The postseason kept the momentum going, with games averaging over 1 million viewers on ESPN—up 131% from 2023—and the best WNBA Finals viewership in 25 years. Franchise values are soaring, and expansion is on the horizon, yet the players responsible for this sustained success over the years are still restricted by capped salaries and limited benefits. Read more in The New York Times and ESPN.