The franchises are helpless without the CBA finalization, as WNBA stars unite in refusal to sign contracts until they get a revised agreement. Moreover, the deal must align with the players’ demands. So the franchises could work with the players under contract – rookies, to keep the available roster in shape. This could be a gift in disguise for teams like the Connecticut Sun, who have a player of high potential, Saniya Rivers, on the roster.
The eighth overall pick signed a three-year contract with the team, and the side could now focus on the player’s development, which could instantly make them a playoff contender.
Saniya Rivers Could Be Future Of Connecticut Sun
After losing multiple key players in the 2024 offseason, the Sun underwent a rebuilding mode. Adding the rookies was a wise decision as the team can focus on a long-term plan with a young core.
The former NC State player was a shrewd pick by the Connecticut franchise, who made their defense stronger. Rivers brings in a unique blend of size, speed, athleticism, defensive instincts, and basketball IQ, making her a nightmare matchup for any offensive player, which she recently displayed at the Unrivaled season 2.
This Saniya Rivers post goes hard. Breeze Block Party 🙂↕️🖤
— haus hoops | wbb (@haushoops) January 10, 2026
Niya recorded six blocks against the Breeze, a single-game Unrivaled high. pic.twitter.com/bp7Tb4L3Hi
Now, looking at her standout defensive performances, the franchise can focus on her offensive game, adding one more dimension to her gameplay. Using the offseason and even the entire 2026 season to develop her into a way player would be a masterstroke for the Sun franchise, who could then build around the forward in the future.
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The rookie, shining bright on the court, is also involved in the CBA discussion and observing the progress from a distance. As a member of the WNBPA, she supports the demands and recently opened up on her views about the CBA.
Saniya Rivers Hopeful For Higher Pay In CBA Discussion
The player is all about performance on the court and looks to improve on her abilities as she gets time. But when asked about her views on the CBA, she did not shy away as the young star was very honest and optimistic.
In the Podcast with Natalie Esquire and Terrika Foster-Brasby, Saniya Rivers said, “As a rookie, I don’t know much about being in the ‘W’ yet. What the vets are going through, what they feel like they deserve, we deserve this, we deserve that, and I agree 110%. But everything happens for a reason, so I think that these women will get what they deserve. Obviously, as a rookie, I had a pivotal time, obviously. Our salaries will increase at some point, so that’s the additional blessing.”
The player, upon reaching superstar level, would be eligible for the maximum pay. She is currently on a rookie contract, and a new agreement might change rookie salaries too, with the addition of a revenue-sharing model, which, as per the WNBPA’s recent statement, must be in the CBA.