WNBA player union stresses unity as CBA negotiation rifts surface

The WNBPA executive committee issued a unity statement signed by all seven members as talks approach a March 10 drop-dead date; recent reports said first vice president Kelsey Plum and vice president Breanna Stewart sought more detailed access to bargaining proposals.

The WNBA players union issued a public statement affirming unity as collective bargaining talks approach a self-imposed March 10 deadline to protect a full 2026 season. The statement was signed by all seven members of the WNBPA executive committee and emphasized a commitment to negotiate until a transformational CBA is reached. The release followed reports that first vice president Kelsey Plum and vice president Breanna Stewart sent a letter raising concerns about player access to details in the bargaining process. The league's most recent proposal, submitted March 1, includes a salary framework with average salaries of about $540,000 in 2026. Key points: - The WNBPA executive committee issued a statement of unity signed by all seven executive committee members. - According to reporting, Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart sent a letter to executive director Terri Jackson requesting more access to proposal details, including revenue-sharing expenses, rookie-scale contracts and licensing revenue. - Plum and Stewart had also publicly expressed support for elements of the league's latest proposal and indicated they opposed striking at that stage of talks. - The league submitted a March 1 proposal that would result in average salaries near $540,000 in 2026, while the union described the current league proposal as "not worth taking." Summary: The unity statement aims to reinforce collective resolve while reported disagreements over access to bargaining details persist. Negotiations continue ahead of the March 10 drop-dead date to try to ensure a full 2026 season. Undetermined at this time.