WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike says WNBA players understand the moment in CBA negotiations

WNBPA President & Storm F Nneka Ogwumike said players “understand what’s going on” in terms of CBA talks with the WNBA and “understand the moment that we’re in,” as they know the position and leverage that they have. Appearing on “Flagrant and Funny with Cari Champion and Jemele Hill,” Ogwumike mentioned how players know that “a lot is at stake,” which is exactly why they are approaching these negotiation “the way that we want to.” She said, “We don’t want to have to say, okay, we’re striking, but we know that it’s something that is available for us to be able to get to where we need to go.” Ogwumike sees new women’s basketball leagues Project B and Unrivaled as “additive” to the likes of the WNBA, saying it is “nice to be able to have these different potions.” However, Ogwumike hopes it is “not lost on anyone to see how player-focused perhaps they are and we can hopefully use that to elevate creativity in this CBA.” Ogwumike: “I’m very averse to anyone saying that we are the reason why this is not getting done because that is not the case. We have been ready since day one … If we were to gauge the level of urgency from the league, it appears more that there was more interest in taking advantage of negotiations rather than actually negotiating.” Ogwumike: “I just really feel like the WNBA needs to stop playing games. I think everyone just needs to show up ready to make compromises” (“Flagrant and Funny with Cari Champion and Jemele Hill,” 2/16).