With the WNBA and WNBPA staying on different planets on CBA discussions, tensions were high. The players’ association president, Nneka Ogwumike, lauded the players’ unity close to the deadline day while pushing for the closure of the CBA deal. Vice President Breanna Stewart had another warning for the league.
The Liberty star was quiet for most of the period on CBA questions, with Napheesa Collier and Ogwumike answering most of the media queries. However, the player came forward and issued a stern warning to the league authorities.
Breanna Stewart With Strong Words On CBA Discussions.
Earlier in December, as the CBA talks gained momentum, players were hoping to see the end of the discussion. Sadly, the proposal was not what they expected. Stewart even called in NBA Commissioner Adam Silver to be part of the CBA discussions. Although he had promised intervention, the deal fell apart due to the deadline.
As players saw no positive sign, Stewart once again stepped up and sent a warning to the league. On a possible strike, she said, “not something that we’re going to do right this second, but we have that in our back pocket.”
Is the WNBA headed for a lockout?
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 9, 2026
Breanna Stewart gives a blunt answer ahead of the CBA’s expiration tomorrow.
Here’s where the WNBA and WNBPA stand.
👉https://t.co/3IDUnGnGFs pic.twitter.com/ColHFtQRzV
The veteran forward already warned the league about no intentions from the WNBPA, and now this could be another warning that the league should be looking closely. According to a source close to WNBA members, the league is also not considering a lockdown.
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While there are many topics, including player housing, pay structure, and revenue sharing, that are still unresolved, it will be interesting to watch how the future shapes up for the 2026 WNBA season. As for the Liberty star, she is currently playing in the Unrivalled league and hasn’t signed a contract with any other league as backup. He even received a special honor for her impact on and off the court recently.
Breanna Stewart Headline 2025 Forbes Most Powerful Women in Sports List
The New York Liberty was one of the top teams in the league and, according to records, certainly the most valuable franchise in women’s sports. Being part of such a prestigious organization certainly impacted Stewie’s influence on the game.
As per Forbes’ recent list, Stewart was one of the most influential female athletes in the USA, along with her Unrivaled co-owner Napheesa Collier and also Liberty’s owner Clara Wu Tsai.
A fireside chat with one of @Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Sports! 🔥👏
— New York Liberty (@nyliberty) October 24, 2025
HUGE congrats to @breannastewart and Clara Wu Tsai on being recognized by Forbes among America’s most powerful women shaping the future of sports! pic.twitter.com/G4FNyVpTuF
The player right now is a free agent in the WNBA and expresses a desire to rejoin the Liberty side in the upcoming season.