Despite recent reports that WNBA players are "bracing" for a lockout ahead of the 2026 season, the president of the Women's National Basketball Player's Association (WNBPA) — aka the player's union — doesn't seem to have heard of any such thing. While speaking to reporters following the Storm's 67-58 win over the Golden State Valkyries Wednesday, Nneka Ogwumike noted, "That's not what we're saying."
In fact, Ogwumike continued, the players have a secret weapon on their side: the attendance of as many WNBA athletes as possible at this week's meeting with the league's leadership.
The New York Post reported this week that "several" players told the outlet they are "bracing" for a work stoppage once the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) expires in October. When asked about the report, Ogwumike replied, "Really? I guess that's what they said."
The members of the union "really want to get a good deal done," she continued. To that end, Ogwumike added that she expects every WNBA player who is in Indianapolis when the union meets with the league to be present at the meeting. In fact, Caitlin Clark recently confirmed she plans to attend, something that could offer a bit more gravity to the discussions.
Having as many players as possible at the meeting is important because "when you have face-to-face meetings, especially in which players are involved ... a lot of things get done a little faster," Ogwumike added.
There's a lot of stake ahead of CBA negotiations
To say there is a lot on the table ahead of the expiring CBA is an understatement. The WNBA has arguably never been more popular, and a work stoppage would be tough for everyone involved. Players are pushing for increased salaries as well as a more equitable share of revenue. Other points of contention reportedly include benefits and possibly season schedules and demands.
In June, Syd Colson (one of the Indiana Fever's WNBPA representatives) read the union's impassioned statement explaining their position ahead of the Fever's game against the Aces.
"On behalf of me and my teammates and every member of our union, I want to be clear," Colson said. "We remain committed to negotiating the next CBA with the league and the teams in good face and privately. We know that our league is growing and we believe that it's imperative that our CBA reflects the growth that we've experienced in the league and that players should be seen part of those earnings."
Colson explained that the statement's intent meant in part that the WNBA's leadership was not adequately or appropriately listening to the demands and wishes of the players — a fact that is difficult for them to swallow, since players are the people driving the huge interest in the league.