The WNBA is coming off of its most successful season since its inception thanks in large part to the massive popularity of superstar Caitlin Clark. But now, the league and Caitlin Clark are facing quite a challenging situation that could result in a work stoppage.
According to a report from Michael Voepel of ESPN, the WNBA players have opted out of their current collective bargaining agreement. If the players and the WNBA do not reach a new collective bargaining agreement before the end of the 2025 season, they could face a work stoppage as a result. The current deal will last until Oct. 31, 2025, giving the two sides about a year to reach a new deal.
The WNBA saw a surge in attention this season with a radical increase in attendance as well as television viewership. The league also just entered a massive new media rights deal worth about $200 million a year.
Needless to say, the players want a bigger slice of that revenue than they currently receive – though they insist the decision to opt out of the current CBA is not just about the money.
“This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm said in a statement according to ESPN. “The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind.
“Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks — it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come. We’re not just asking for a CBA that reflects our value; we’re demanding it, because we’ve earned it.”
While this is obviously good news for the players, it could spell bad news, because ESPN reports that the WNBA players are “prepared to negotiate for as long as it takes, union sources told ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike, even if it means a work stoppage.”
Obviously, a work stoppage would be horrible news for Caitlin Clark as she continues to establish herself as one of the most dominant players in the league and continues to ride a wave of momentum and popularity.
Needless to say, this horrible news sparked a lot of reactions on social media.
“Caitlin should see if there’s another league in another country that is willing to pay her to play. If so, sign and play there for a year or two, and let the WNBA figure things out for themselves, by themselves,” one fan wrote on X.
“The only one who deserves a raise is Caitlin Clark,” another person added.
“Give her all the extra money,” another person wrote.
“If the WNBA just lost $40 million this past season with Caitlin Clark, how are they going to give players more?” another person said.
“It would be hilarious if CC jumped ship right now for the Euro league,” another fan quipped.
“A lockout to ruin all the momentum they’ve gained the past year would be incredibly asinine but also hilarious,” another person added.
It will certainly be interesting to see what happens.