Tensions are quietly building behind the scenes in the WNBA as players prepare for one of the most pivotal negotiations in league history. With the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) allowing an opt-out after the 2025 season, multiple WNBA stars are now speaking out — warning that if key expectations aren’t met, a league-wide player sit-out could be on the table.

Players Demand More Than Just Recognition

While the WNBA continues to gain momentum — thanks in part to breakout stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and the ongoing efforts of veterans like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart — many players insist that the off-court progress hasn’t kept pace with the league’s media hype.

Top priorities for players include:

Substantially higher salaries

Improved travel conditions (especially the push for full-time charter flights)

Expanded healthcare and maternity protections

Better marketing and promotion across all teams, not just a few stars

Speaking anonymously, one All-Star player told ESPN, “We’re grateful the league is growing, but growth without investment in players is just smoke and mirrors. If they’re serious about us staying, they need to show it — in real dollars and policies.”

Charter Flights Remain a Flashpoint

The issue of charter flights continues to be one of the most contentious points between players and the league. Despite Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announcing limited charter travel for 2024, players have made it clear: partial steps won’t be enough in the next CBA.

“Flying commercial across time zones during the season isn’t just inconvenient — it’s unsafe and unfair,” said Las Vegas Aces’ star Kelsey Plum in a recent podcast. “If the NBA players wouldn’t tolerate it, neither should we.”

Union Preparing for a Hard Line

The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has signaled that it’s not afraid to take a firm stance. According to insiders, several players have discussed the possibility of withholding participation — either in training camp or even regular-season games — if the league fails to meet critical demands during negotiations.

WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike previously emphasized unity: “We have leverage now. The eyes of the world are on us, and we won’t waste that moment.”

While no formal strike has been announced, the message is clear: business as usual is not an option in 2025.

League Response and Next Steps

The league office has maintained a cautious but optimistic tone. Commissioner Engelbert recently acknowledged that “real progress” is needed and said the league is “committed to working with the players” to build a sustainable and equitable future.

The current CBA, signed in 2020, included significant gains — like a 53% salary increase and improved parental benefits — but players argue that the landscape has changed dramatically since then. With the league now securing major media deals and record attendance, many feel the next agreement must reflect the true value of the athletes who power the WNBA.

The Bottom Line

A potential player sit-out is not a bluff — it’s a warning. WNBA players have waited patiently for structural change, and with the game finally reaching new heights, they’re ready to ensure that progress benefits everyone, not just the league’s brand.

The next few months could determine not just the future of the WNBA — but the standards for professional women’s sports worldwide.