The CBA negotiation has dominated WNBA players’ and fans’ attention throughout the 2025 season. The stalemate has frustrated both sides and even sparked boos aimed at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during the Las Vegas Aces’ Finals trophy ceremony.
Now, the players’ fight for equitable pay and other key issues has drawn support from an unexpected source: lawmakers who have publicly endorsed their demands.
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The backing comes after months of tense public exchanges between the league’s front office and players.
From All-Star Statement to Government Support
Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
The first public callout of the league by WNBA stars happened in July at the All-Star Game in Indianapolis, when players walked out wearing T-shirts bearing “Pay Us What You Owe Us” slogans.
Last month, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier reignited the conversation when she called out Engelbert in a scathing exit interview.
Now, more than 70 elected lawmakers from seven WNBA markets around the nation, including New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani, have penned a letter to Engelbert and the league demanding they “bargain in good faith to reach a fair [CBA],” per The Athletic.
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New York City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán, a lifelong New York Liberty fan, spearheaded the letter.
“We all want to be able to take in a full season, but we know that they deserve to get paid what they deserve to earn,” Cabán said.
“It mirrors the fights that everyday working-class women are having every day when they’re saying to their bosses, ‘We need childcare, we need good health benefits, we need an environment that allows us to be present with our loved ones and values labor that allows you all to make as much money as you do,’” Cabán added.
The negotiations over a new collective bargaining agreement are heading toward the Oct. 31 deadline without a resolution in sight. With government officials now weighing in, the added pressure could accelerate a deal for all parties.
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