The executive committee of the WNBPA issued a letter signed by the seven players who fill roles — Nneka Ogwumike, Napheesa Collier, Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, Brianna Turner, Elizabeth Williams, and Alysha Clark — Wednesday following reports the union has experienced disagreements and fractures of late.
"In every CBA negotiation, the goal of the league and teams is to divide the players. These negotiations are no different," the players wrote. "We remain united and focused on delivering a transformational CBA for all members of this Union, and are committed to negotiating for as long as it takes."
The group also noted that the December vote that gave permission for the committee to authorize a strike ahead of the 2026 season "was not taken lightly." Per the statement, "nothing has changed" in terms of the faith the players of the WNBA have in the committee and in executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson.
"Despite our differences and tough moments, we must make crystal clear that we are focused, we are resolute, and we are together," the group also wrote. In other words: there may be reports of disagreements and even fissures, but the WNBPA continues to operate together and, they believe, for the best interest of the league.
The WNBA has set a soft date for the end of CBA negotiations
The WNBA said last week that CBA negotiations must conclude by March 10 if the 2026 season is expected to begin on time. The beginning of the season is scheduled for May 8.
The date is important because a lot has to happen before the season starts: expansion drafts for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, free agency for most of the league, and the 2026 WNBA Draft. Training camps for most teams are set to begin toward the end of April — but none of this can take place if there's no agreement in place between the W and the WNBPA.
On Monday Clark made it clear that a work stoppage ahead of the 2026 season is "very much still on the table." She also told Aces reporter Callie Fin that though some players may express their own opinions about whether there will be a strike, and they might even share that they do or do not support striking, is a "very different" conversation than one about the strike being "taken off the table." She added that the players have been preparing for the possibility of a strike if one should be called.