WNBA players standing firm after 'wasted' CBA talks with league - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — The day after talking with commissioner Cathy Engelbert and ownership representatives, WNBA players here for All-Star weekend characterized the meeting as a «missed opportunity.» But they also expressed hope for more constructive discussions as both parties work toward a new collective bargaining agreement.

Players spoke with the media Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse following Thursday's gathering that included at least 40 WNBA players. Last fall, the players' union opted out of the current agreement, which went into effect in 2020, with the hope of having a new CBA in place by October.

The WNBA calendar necessitates an agreement by then or as soon as possible afterward, especially considering the league must conduct an expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto for the 2026 season. Last year's expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries was in December.

«We're on a time crunch. No one wants a lockout,» said All-Star team captain Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx. «But at the end of the day, we have to stand firm, and we're not going to be moved on certain topics. So hopefully the league comes back quickly so that we can get have more dialogue, more conversations and can get the ball rolling.»

Union president Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm said she wished the strong turnout by the players Thursday had produced more.

«This was a very historical way for players to show up, and they understood how big the moment was,» Ogwumike said. «We were hoping perhaps more would be yielded given the engagement. I don't anticipate us having another meeting with that many players involved.»

Players said two areas that both sides seemed to mostly agree on are family planning and retirement