There was no scarcity of storylines because the U.S. Girls’s Nationwide Basketball Group opened coaching camp at Duke College, however probably the most consequential dialogue prolonged effectively past the courtroom.
Caitlin Clark returned to full basketball exercise after accidents restricted her to simply 13 video games throughout the 2025 WNBA season. Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers and JuJu Watkins have been amongst these making their senior nationwide workforce camp debuts, whereas Kara Lawson started her tenure as head coach beneath newly appointed managing director Sue Fowl.
But as practices started, gamers constantly redirected consideration to the unresolved collective bargaining settlement negotiations between the WNBA and the WNBPA — talks that many imagine will form the league’s future.
Caitlin Clark on the CBA: “The Largest Second the WNBA Has Ever Seen”
Clark, one of many league’s most seen figures, framed the negotiations as a defining inflection level.
“That is the largest second the WNBA has ever seen,” Clark mentioned. “It’s not one thing that may be tousled. We’re going to battle for all the pieces that we deserve, however on the identical time, we have to play basketball.”
Caitlin Clark shares her ideas on state of CBA negotiations, avoiding a lockout, and so on. at Duke.
She’s right here for USA Basketball Coaching Camp beneath HC Kara Lawson, considered one of 10 gamers making their first senior nationwide workforce camp look. pic.twitter.com/JWSYC5Bw1Z
— Shelby Swanson (@shelbymswanson) December 12, 2025
Her feedback come because the league experiences historic development. WNBA viewership elevated 6% year-over-year throughout 25 regular-season video games on ESPN, averaging 1.3 million viewers — the community’s most-watched WNBA common season. The postseason averaged 1.2 million viewers on ESPN and 1.3 million throughout all platforms, the very best since 1999.
That momentum, gamers imagine, heightens the urgency of reaching an settlement that enables the league to maneuver ahead with out disruption.
Rising Frustration From the Gamers’ Facet
Regardless of latest extensions conserving negotiations alive, frustration stays evident.
“It’s somewhat bit disheartening,” WNBPA first vice chairman Kelsey Plum mentioned. “Simply the frustration in negotiations and the way far-off we’re.”
Each side agreed to a second extension simply minutes earlier than the earlier CBA expired on Nov. 30. The settlement now runs by means of Jan. 9, although both facet might decide out with 48 hours’ discover.
On the middle of the dispute is the league’s proposed wage mannequin. The WNBA’s newest provide features a $1 million max base wage, a wage cap enhance from $1.5 million in 2025 to $5 million, and a 50% share of a income metric. Based on a number of sources acquainted with the negotiations, that metric would exclude sure income streams and deduct bills, leading to gamers receiving lower than 15% of complete league income.
The union countered with a proposal searching for a bigger share of league and workforce income, alongside broader structural modifications.
Past Salaries: Union’s Broader Push
Along with a revamped wage framework, the WNBPA is pushing to get rid of the core designation, improve parental go away for non-birthing dad and mom, reimburse psychological well being care prices, enhance retirement advantages, and set up minimal operational and staffing requirements throughout groups.
Any formal work stoppage would require motion by both facet — a lockout initiated by possession or a strike known as by gamers.
Clark emphasised that whereas gamers are unified, flexibility stays a part of the method.
“There are various things that we will discover methods to say ‘No, we definitely deserve that and we’re not going to compromise on that,’” Clark mentioned. “After which different issues that we will most likely compromise on. Like I mentioned that is the largest second within the historical past of the WNBA. I don’t need that to be forgotten. It’s essential that we discover a solution to play this subsequent season. Our followers and even all people that has performed on this league that has come earlier than us deserve that as effectively.”
Angel Reese, Cameron Brink Echo Name for Unity, Progress
Angel Reese, who’s beneath contract with the Chicago Sky by means of 2027, echoed Clark’s message of collective resolve whereas stressing preparation for the longer term.
“Everyone’s very intentional about what we wish. … We’re driving collectively on all the pieces,” Reese mentioned. “So, I’m making ready for a season like all people else, however … it’s actually essential for us to come back to a standard floor that we will all agree on. It’s all truthful and all people advantages from it.”
Los Angeles Sparks ahead Cameron Brink mentioned gamers stay locked in because the deadline approaches.
“As somebody that’s a part of the league, positively can be foolish to not comply with carefully,” Brink mentioned. “So it’s positively one thing I’m taking note of. And I’d say I’m making ready in the identical means that the season’s going to come back round sooner or later. So, simply ready like everybody else.”
Momentum vs. Uncertainty
Inside days of extending the present CBA, the league reportedly introduced a revised proposal that might push most participant earnings to $1.2 million when income sharing is included. The WNBPA, nonetheless, is predicted to reject the provide over issues about how income is calculated.
Income sharing stays a flashpoint. Below the present settlement, gamers obtain 9.3% of league income. Based on reporting, the league’s newest proposal would maintain gamers beneath 15%, with projections exhibiting that proportion lowering over the lifetime of the deal.
As coaching camp continues in Durham, the league’s brightest stars are making ready for competitors — whereas additionally navigating negotiations that might decide how, and beneath what situations, the WNBA’s subsequent chapter unfolds.
