The WNBA is entering its 30th season, but not the way the league hoped for. There is a question mark over the league’s possibility with stalled CBA discussions. Amid this, the WNBA released a schedule for the 2026 season. It was a surprise for many, including A’ja Wilson and Azura Stevens, who reacted to the news.
As per the schedule, the season will start on May 9. But there are still three big steps due, including the expansion draft, free agency signings, and the WNBA draft. So reactions from the players are understandable.
A’ja Wilson And Azura Stevens’ Reactions Say It All
Up until now, there has been only negative news surrounding the CBA talks between the WNBA and the WNBPA. But recently, WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart offered a hopeful outlook on WNBA CBA negotiations. Though it was a sigh of relief for fans, the league released the schedule itself, as if the CBA deal had been closed.
Wilson shared a post reacting to the news, featuring a clip from a movie in which everyone banged their foreheads in frustration. Azura Stevens also commented with a series of question marks.
There is no update on CBA negotiations yet, and the free agency market remains closed, with WNBA-WNBPA agreeing to a free agency moratorium. It will be interesting to see how the league plans to wrap up the deal before the set target date.
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Right after winning the championship, the Las Vegas Aces players opened up on their views about the ongoing CBA negotiations. Wilson also spoke about the same in an interview.
A’ja Wilson Cleared the Air About CBA Negotiations
WNBA players voiced their concerns about delays in the CBA discussion and the WNBA’s stance on players’ demands. Though the league had been listening to players’ pleas, it took a serious turn when the ‘face of the league’ spoke about it.
Answering the question about CBA on the Good Morning America show, Wilson said, “Obviously, we’re still pushing through. But I think for us, it’s just continue to stand on what we believe in and what it is to be a business, and how we handle ourselves. And I think when you’re thinking about a united front, it’s the WNBA. We’re not going to shake anything until we get what we want.”
Though the star spoke about it in late November, the situation remains the same. Wilson even addressed the persistent CBA myth that WNBA players seek NBA-level salaries. For fans, the player demands are also clear, and even the WNBA released a schedule, which would be a good sign.