Sources: WNBA, players’ union meeting Monday could be ‘pivotal’

The WNBA and WNBPA are scheduled to meet in New York on Monday morning for their first face-to-face bargaining session with players since October, a meeting that sources say could be as “critical” in determining whether a new collective bargaining agreement is achieved or if players opt to strike.

Sources indicate that the union is increasingly frustrated by the league’s lack of formal response to its latest proposal, which was submitted during the Christmas period. They report a vigorous debate occurring within the seven-member executive committee, authorized in December to initiate a strike “when needed.”

Some members believe now is the moment to significantly change the league’s revenue-sharing structure and that players should not make further concessions until they are comfortable with the redesigned system.

Conversely, another faction maintains that while some issues remain to be negotiated, the players have already made substantial progress and are closer to an agreement, making them less likely to endorse a strike.

Regardless, both factions are eager to interact directly with owners instead of relying on intermediaries and lawyers.

WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, first vice president Kelsey Plum, and vice president Napheesa Collier are expected to attend in person, while vice president Breanna Stewart plans to join via videoconference, a solution for those owners and executive council members unable to be present in New York.

“in the end, we are human beings. I believe face-to-face communication is crucial,” Plum stated. “I’m looking forward to this opportunity to be present with other engaged players from the [executive committee] and to see the league’s commitment to participate.”

Stewart, who advocated for an in-person meeting, remarked to ESPN last month, “At some point, enough is enough. Personally, I want to be present to discuss the real issues at hand. These meetings often get distracted by language and context, causing us to miss the fundamental points.”

During her debut as a special contributor on NBC’s “Sunday Night Basketball,” Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark also addressed the status of negotiations.

“Honestly, I don’t see this as just a significant moment for the WNBA; I think it’s monumental for all women’s sports. I genuinely believe this is one of the most important moments we’ve faced,” Clark stated on-air. “I am confident that we will accomplish something, driven by the caliber of our performances on the court. We must maintain that momentum.”

“I know everyone is working tirelessly. There’s a critical meeting [Monday], and I truly trust that we’ll finalize something in the coming weeks. … There are numerous tasks left to complete, with the addition of two new teams, an influx of players, free agency, and the upcoming draft. There’s much to tackle, but I remain optimistic that both sides will reach an agreement soon.”