The WNBPA is standing tall amid pressure in CBA negotiations. After nearly one and a half years of discussions, there was never a moment in the negotiations when the PA lost focus or moved away from its demands. NBPA’s members, Chris Paul and Jaylen Brown, lauded their unity and advised them to fight for their proposal. Dawn Staley also recently swooped into the discussion and backed the players.
The former player in the league mentioned that she, as a player, understands the situation and also spoke about the possibility of the 2026 season.
Dawn Staley Backs WNBPA In CBA Discussions
The Collective Bargaining Agreement refuses to reach a conclusion as both parties advocate their proposal and highlight flaws in counterproposals. With less than three months left for the start of the 2026 season, everyone is concerned about the future.
Staley, though, remains confident about the season starting on time and backed the PA to push for their demands in a recent interview. She said, “Anybody that is willing to bet on self in this space, it’s always a good thing. And bet on self is both ways. The WNBA is betting on self, and the players are betting on self. The game is in high demand, like super high demand,” she said. “If you don’t fight for something right now, you’re going to settle for anything in the future.”
Dawn Staley on the WNBA CBA talks:
— Matt Dowell (@MattDowellTV) February 20, 2026
"I've been a player & the game is in high demand. If you don't fight for something right now, you're gonna settle for anything in the future. I think we'll have a season & I believe it's gonna start on time. But I don't have a dog in the fight" pic.twitter.com/YRbu3FcOvp
While the veteran coach is ready with her reasoning, the WNBPA is adding pressure on the league to agree to their demands. Napheesa Collier even mentioned that she is ready to sit out for the season if the CBA talks fail.
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While the South Carolina Coach is looking at the CBA deal and WNBA season positively, she could reach another milestone in the NCAAW on Sunday.
Dawn Staley Could Lift Fifth Consecutive SEC Title
One of the most decorated coaches in the league made the South Carolina Gamecocks the toughest team from the SEC. The Southeastern Conference has multiple strong challengers, but recently the Gamecocks controlled the conference with dominant performances that included an undefeated championship.
NO. 3 SOUTH CAROLINA KEEPS ON ROLLING 💪
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) February 20, 2026
The Gamecocks win their 25th straight game vs. Alabama 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/CtO2WLiZ4h
Earlier, Staley celebrated her 500th win with the program, and now on Sunday. The team holds a 12-1 conference record, and its closest rivals are Vanderbilt and Texas, both with 10-3 records. With just three games remaining in the season, a single victory also secures the No. 1 seed for the Gamecocks in the upcoming SEC Tournament, which could be Staley’s fifth straight and 10th overall SEC title.