With the 2026 season approaching, the ongoing impasse in collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and the WNBPA continues to cast a shadow over the league’s offseason activities. In a significant development aimed at breaking the deadlock, representatives from both sides have scheduled a crucial face-to-face meeting, set to take place in New York on Monday.
The players’ association will be represented by key members of its executive committee, a group comprising some of the league’s most prominent figures. Attending the negotiations will be Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm, who serves as the WNBPA president, alongside Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx), Breanna Stewart (New York Liberty), and Kelsey Plum (LA Sparks). They will be joined by leadership from the union, the league office, and team representatives, converging for what is anticipated to be a pivotal discussion.
A Critical Juncture for the League’s Future
This in-person gathering marks a deliberate step to reinvigorate talks that have, until now, largely stalled, consequently hindering standard offseason player movement and team planning. The protracted negotiations have created an atmosphere of uncertainty, with franchises and athletes alike awaiting clarity on the foundational economic and operational rules that will govern the coming years.
Expressing cautious optimism about the upcoming dialogue, Kelsey Plum, who holds the position of first vice president for the WNBPA, offered her perspective while participating in the Unrivaled tour in Philadelphia. “I think we’ll learn a lot from this meeting,” Plum remarked, highlighting the meeting’s potential to provide crucial insights and direction for the path forward.
The outcome of Monday’s negotiations is poised to have immediate and profound implications. Resolving the CBA is essential not only for unlocking the frozen offseason market but also for setting the long-term trajectory of the league, impacting player compensation, travel conditions, revenue sharing, and overall growth. All eyes within the basketball community are now fixed on New York, awaiting signals of progress from this high-stakes summit.