The WNBA may be on the verge of a crisis — and it’s not about competition on the court.

As rumors of a potential lockout swirl behind the scenes, sources around the league have begun pointing to growing tensions between WNBA players and league officials regarding salary demands and revenue distribution. While collective bargaining discussions remain mostly private, several insiders warn that unrealistic demands and fractured priorities may stall — or even derail — the league’s progress.

Salary Pressure Building

With the popularity of the WNBA growing thanks to record-breaking viewership, social media buzz, and high-profile rookies like Caitlin Clark, many players are pushing hard for massive salary increases and a larger share of media and sponsorship revenue.

While player empowerment is long overdue in women’s sports, some within the league office reportedly view current demands as “economically unfeasible” — especially considering the WNBA still relies on significant financial support from the NBA and media partners to remain viable.

“There’s a push for six-figure base salaries across the board, charter flights for every game, and expanded benefits — all good goals, but not all at once,” one anonymous league executive told reporters.

Union Division? Caitlin Clark the Lone Player with Motion Filed

In a shocking twist, reports surfaced this week that Caitlin Clark is currently the only active WNBA player to file the necessary paperwork (motion) to formally negotiate under the current CBA structure. This has raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about growing divisions within the player union itself.

Some veteran players have publicly criticized Clark’s rising profile and lucrative endorsement deals, while others see her as a potential bridge to the league’s next financial phase.

“She’s not the problem — she’s the spotlight,” said one league source. “But it’s clear that the locker rooms are split.”

Lockout on the Horizon?

If progress stalls, there’s growing concern that the WNBA could face a lockout as early as the 2026 offseason, especially if players vote to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement.

That scenario would not only freeze salaries and team operations — it would halt the momentum the league has built in recent seasons. And with stars like Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Angel Reese becoming household names, timing couldn’t be worse.

Fans React — and Worry

Online, fans are torn. While many support fair pay and better working conditions for WNBA athletes, others worry that excessive demands without financial backing could hurt the league’s growth — or even put it in jeopardy.

“You can’t ask for NBA money without NBA revenue,” one user wrote.
“Caitlin Clark is trying to elevate the league, not break it,” another commented.

What Happens Next?

All eyes are now on the WNBA Players Association and league leadership as preseason ends and the 2025 regular season begins. Will cooler heads prevail — or are we heading toward the biggest labor dispute in league history?

For now, one thing is clear: Caitlin Clark is leading on the court — and off it — while the rest of the league figures out what comes next.