In a move that has sent shockwaves through the WNBA, Angel Reese and Dijonai Carrington, two of the league’s brightest stars, have thrown down a gauntlet that could change the entire course of the WNBA’s future. The two superstars, speaking out about the league’s ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations, have raised their voices in protest, sending a clear message to the WNBA and its leadership: “We all sitting out” — unless significant changes are made.

This bold stance comes at a pivotal time, as the league navigates its CBA talks with the players’ association. Reese and Carrington’s statement has lit a fire under the negotiations, placing immense pressure on both the WNBA and the league’s owners to address long-standing issues surrounding player compensation, benefits, and working conditions.

The Catalyst: Angel Reese & Dijonai Carrington Speak Up

Angel Reese, a star with the LSU Tigers and an emerging face of women’s basketball, and Dijonai Carrington, a standout for the Phoenix Mercury, have made their voices heard — and the timing couldn’t be more crucial. Both players have been vocal about the disparity between how male athletes in the NBA are treated versus the conditions faced by their counterparts in the WNBA.

In a powerful social media post, Reese shared her frustration, saying: “We’re at a breaking point. We love this game, but we deserve better. It’s time for us to get what we’ve earned. If that means sitting out, so be it.” Carrington echoed her sentiments, adding, “We’re not just talking about money. We’re talking about respect. We’re talking about equality. The time is now.”

These comments have gone viral, sparking a wave of support from current WNBA players, as well as former stars and fans. Reese and Carrington have taken the mantle as leaders in this fight for equal treatment, showing that they are willing to sacrifice their playing time to ensure future generations of players are treated fairly.

What’s at Stake in the WNBA CBA Negotiations?

At the heart of the ongoing CBA talks is the issue of player compensation. Despite the WNBA’s growing popularity and increasing visibility, player salaries remain far below what their NBA counterparts make. While NBA stars rake in millions, WNBA players have been fighting for more equitable pay and better benefits, including maternity leave, health insurance, and overall support.

In addition to financial compensation, issues like improved travel accommodations, better facilities, and increased exposure for the league have been major talking points in these negotiations. Reese and Carrington’s bold statement shines a spotlight on these concerns, emphasizing the importance of not just financial fairness, but also respect for the athletes’ contributions to the game.

Despite growing viewership and rising talent in the WNBA, the league’s owners have yet to make significant moves that satisfy player demands. This has created an underlying tension between the players and league executives, with some stars now reaching the boiling point.

The “Sit-Out” Threat: What Could Happen Next?

Reese and Carrington’s declaration that they, along with other players, are willing to sit out of games until their demands are met has serious ramifications. The threat of a full-blown boycott could result in a league-wide shutdown, affecting not just the players but fans, sponsors, and teams that rely on the revenue from games.

While a player strike would be unprecedented in the WNBA’s history, the move is not entirely without precedent in women’s sports. The US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) fought a similar battle for equal pay, and their efforts led to a historic deal in 2022. Now, it seems the WNBA is at a similar crossroads.

If the sit-out were to become reality, the ripple effect could be significant. Games could be canceled, and playoff series could be affected. The public and media backlash would likely intensify, putting even more pressure on the WNBA to reach an agreement that addresses the players’ demands for fairness.

The Growing Support for Reese and Carrington’s Stand

What began as a bold statement from two key players has quickly gained momentum. Many of the WNBA’s biggest stars, including Sabrina Ionescu, Brianna Stewart, and A’ja Wilson, have expressed solidarity with Reese and Carrington. The movement is growing by the day, and it’s clear that the players are united in their desire for change.

Fans, too, have rallied behind the players’ cause, with social media flooded with hashtags like #PayWNBAPlayers, #FairPayForWNBA, and #SupportThePlayers. The outpouring of support has created a wave of pressure that the league may not be able to ignore for much longer. After all, the WNBA is a league built on the backs of talented, dedicated athletes, and their voices are becoming too loud to be drowned out by the powers that be.

Will the WNBA Listen?

The WNBA has faced criticism in the past for being slow to act on issues like pay equity and player safety, but with the current landscape of women’s sports growing rapidly and the momentum behind Reese and Carrington’s movement, the pressure is on. The league must act quickly and decisively if it hopes to avoid a crisis that could permanently alter the landscape of women’s professional basketball.

The owners and executives who run the WNBA are undoubtedly aware of the impact that a player walkout could have — not just on their bottom line but on the league’s reputation and the future of the sport itself. The risk is significant: alienating the athletes who are the core of the league and who drive its popularity would set the WNBA back years in its pursuit of parity and recognition.

In this critical moment, the WNBA has the chance to make a statement not just for the future of its own league, but for women’s professional sports as a whole. Will they rise to the occasion, or will they let another generation of players down?

In Conclusion: A Pivotal Moment for Women’s Sports

Angel Reese and Dijonai Carrington’s powerful stand is not just about basketball — it’s about equity, respect, and the future of women’s sports. Their threat to sit out games has created a tipping point in the WNBA’s CBA negotiations, and the eyes of the sports world are on them. This is a moment that could redefine the relationship between athletes and the leagues they play for, and potentially spark a larger movement toward fairness in all professional sports.

The message is clear: we won’t settle for less. As Reese and Carrington take the lead, the WNBA’s response will shape the future of the league, and possibly the landscape of women’s professional sports for decades to come. The time for change is now, and it’s up to the league to decide whether they’ll finally give the players what they deserve — or risk losing it all.