The WNBA’s players association announced Thursday that its members voted to authorize a strike if necessary as the extended Jan. 9 deadline for contract negotiations with the league looms.
It’s been months of stalled talks over the players’ new collective bargaining agreement, which was originally set to expire on Oct. 31. Players are seeking a system that grows with the league through a model that is tied to revenue but say the league has been resistant to the proposals.
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According to the players association, of those who participated in the vote, 98% agreed to authorize a strike.
The Washington Mystics’ Brittney Sykes holds a sign during the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis on July 19. (Grace Smith/IndyStar / IndyStar / USA TODAY Network file)
An authorization vote does not mean the players are on strike, but it indicates that a supermajority of their membership is willing to withhold its labor as leverage in the negotiations.
“Let it be known. The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future,” the WNBA players association said Thursday.
The union has extended the current contract through Jan. 9 as the negotiations have continued.
A proposed revenue share system, similar to the structure that is in the NBA, would allow the player salaries to grow as the league does. The women’s players receive about 9.3% of league-generated income, while the men’s players receive 49%-51% of the NBA’s basketball-related income, according to MarketWatch.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told NBC News’ “TODAY” show that he believes the players should be receiving more money but didn’t believe a “share” was the right descriptor.
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“I think you should look at it in absolute numbers in terms of what they’re making, and they are going to bet a big increase in this cycle of collective bargaining, and they deserve it,” Silver said in an Oct. 21 interview.
The Associated Press reported in recent weeks that the WNBA offered players a proposal that would include revenue sharing and have a maximum salary of $1.1 million available to more than one player per team growing each year.
In addition to salaries, the WNBA’s union is asking for improved infrastructure. That includes improvements to playing and practice facilities, enhanced player protection, codifying the charter flights program from 2024, and expanded roster sizes.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who is on the union’s executive council, told the AP that it was also fighting for retirement and child care benefits.
Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever talks with Sabrina Ionescu of the New York Liberty before the WNBA All-Star Game. (Steph Chambers / Getty Images file)
“Obviously, there’s frustration in that both sides are trying to get what they want, but we still have that fire within us that we’re willing to do what it takes,” Collier said. “We’re going to do whatever it takes to get what we think we deserve.”
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Tensions have flared all year over the negotiations and fears that 2026 would begin with a player lockout. And though it’s months until the new season is set to begin, several key events will occur before the May 2026 start date.
The league’s expansion draft was supposed to take place this month, but it appears it may have to be delayed as talks continue. If talks continue to stall, it could affect the regular 2026 draft expected in April.
Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark called the talks on the collective bargaining agreement the “biggest moment in the history” of the WNBA.
“We’re going to fight for everything we deserve, but at the same time we need to play basketball. That’s what our fans crave,” Clark said during a Team USA basketball camp last week. “You want the product on the floor. In the end of the day that’s how you’re marketable, that’s what the fans want to show up for.”
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
