The CBA discussions took a ‘U-turn’ that many expected would lead to some progress on the topic. The reason was clear: the WNBA had not yet prepared the counterproposal. WNBPA also had a few key members missing from the meeting, as fans call out Kelsey Plum and Napheesa Collier following their absence in Monday’s meeting. Though many players attended the meet via Zoom, one former player, Sue Bird, was also at the table.
The Seattle Storm legend attended the meeting on behalf of the Seattle Storm, being a part-owner of the franchise. While a few might expect her to be a silent observer at the meeting, she actually plays a big role.
Sue Bird’s Important Role In CBA Discussions
The former UConn star became the first WNBA icon immortalized in bronze when the Franchise decided to honor its most decorated player. While the ceremony took place in 2025, the four-time champion became part-owner of the franchise in 2024, right after her retirement.
On CBA, the record-setting guard has every detail and views from multiple players she hosted on her podcast. Being a member of the executives, she also understands the league’s dilemma in making an ‘over the moon’ offer (as the league explained the demands). More importantly, she was also part of the 2020 CBA discussions as a player and understands the process.
Storm LEGEND Sue Bird joins Seattle Storm ownership group!! 🏀
— Fetch (@NicoleFetchko) April 28, 2024
From the Storm’s No. 1 draft pick in 2002 to part owner, her journey comes full circle.
Her investment portfolio into women’s sports is stacked 👀#wnba #wnbatwitter pic.twitter.com/wkls97Ko2J
Accumulating all the knowledge, data, and information, Sue Bird is in the perfect position to guide the CBA discussions and might as well find the way out of the cliche. Now that the 2026 season dates are out, considering the number of days left, the league and players should be looking to fast-track the process.
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The Olympic Gold medalist and the first-ever Managing Director of the USA Women’s National Team, she shared her view on the CBA discussions.
Sue Bird’s Take On CBA Negotiations
The player herself expressed concerns about the delay in finalizing the CBA terms. When the league proposed ‘no housing support, ’ players like Natasha Cloud criticized the idea and called it senseless. Bird also wanted the solution to be more creative.
In an interview, she said, “At the end of the day, I think there should be some sort of moving thing. Rookie deals get their housing paid for. When players are traded for, or you’re in training camp, or you’re on a 10-day contract or a seven-day contract—usually those players go in hotels anyway—I do think the team should pay for that.”
“They should be in a position to help these young players who don’t have the capital. And then…if you’re making over X, over 500, over 600, over 700, or only on a max deal, whatever it is, then the housing now becomes your responsibility, but the team still has to help find it…Get creative. I want everyone to start getting creative,” Bird added.
The star herself went through every phase of the WNBA’s growth as a player, and now, as an executive, her views certainly would be important in finding middle ground on the CBA.