A’ja Wilson quiets fears of WNBA work stoppage (but it may not last)

In October 2024, the WNBA Player’s Association opted out of the collective bargaining agreement between the players and the league. So, it is time to negotiate a new agreement that works better in the new reality of the WNBA. The league’s popularity has grown immensely over the past few years, particularly last season, as a strong rookie class headlined by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entered the league. 

One big aspect of the negotiations will be player salaries. Low WNBA salaries have long been a topic of discussion. Jackie Young, who signed a two-year, $504,900 contract with the Las Vegas Aces, is currently the player with the highest average salary per season. In contrast, the highest-paid NBA player at the moment is Stephen Curry, who makes around $55 million this season, and the minimum salary in the NBA is $1,157,153 according to Spotract. 

WNBA players have the chance to demand better pay now. Unfortunately, that could lead to some problems. 

On her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, Chicago Sky star Angel Reese said that she would not be afraid of sitting out and that players should strike if their salary demands are not met. Similar situations have already occurred several times in pro sports, including the NBA. 

Disputes with the players would undoubtedly be bad for the WNBA, though, especially at such a pivotal moment for the league. The WNBA is even ready to expand, adding franchises in San Francisco, Toronto, Portland, and Cleveland. The Golden State Valkyries will join the league in 2025, the Toronto Tempo and the team in Portland in 2026, and the Cleveland Rockers are set to return to the league in 2028.

Continuing to play and put on a show is the best way for the WNBA—players and team owners alike—to continue to grow the league’s platform, attract viewers, and make money. After all, this is only the beginning and women’s basketball has an incredibly bright future. So, agreeing to a new CBA in a timely manner would be in both sides’ best interest.

A’ja Wilson does not believe it should come to a work stoppage in the WNBA

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson made some encouraging comments about the CBA negotiations when interviewed by Michele Steele at the Sloan Conference. 

“I feel like we can make things work,” Wilson said. “It’s going to take a lot, but I don’t even want to say that or think that…We shouldn’t even have to get to that point.”

While that is encouraging to hear from one of the faces of the WNBA, it does not entirely dismiss the possibility of complications in the CBA negotiations or even a work stoppage in the WNBA. 

Both sides want to finalize a new agreement but that usually requires compromise. If players are not willing to compromise and stick to strict demands when it comes to salaries, things could quickly become complicated. As Wilson said, it will take a lot of work to satisfy both sides with this new agreement, even if avoiding a work stoppage may be in everyone’s best interest.