The WNBA might be enjoying one of the best runs in terms of visibility and expansion at the moment. With viewership hitting an all-time high and the brand deals pouring in, it is a pretty good time to be in the WNBA.
Unfortunately, not everything is all rosy. Despite the boom in revenues, the players are not happy with their payments. Especially when it comes to the revenue-sharing model. On one hand, the WNBA offers a paltry 7-9% in comparison to almost 50% for the NBA athletes.
And with some serious back and forth, the CBA talks have resulted in a dead rubber as of now. At the moment, the WNBA has proposed a 30-day extension on the CBA deadline. Meanwhile, speaking on the raging issue, Opals legend Lauren Jackson had a straightforward ask from the owners.
Lauren Jackson Supports The WNBA Athletes’ Plea For Better Pay
The WNBA players have been asking for equal pay for a long time. Unfortunately, the front office has not paid much heed to the same. As a result, with time, the frustrations have only increased. Along with that, support has been pouring in for the players, with the likes of Jackson questioning in favor of the athletes.
Jackson, who is the ambassador for Prime’s NBA coverage this season, gave an exclusive bite to The Roar. Reflecting on the topic, Jackson stated that the players talking about their payment issues publicly was a much-needed step.
“It means it’s going to put a bit more pressure on the powers that be to pay the athletes what they should be paid. And I think it’s going to be probably the biggest jump that we’ve seen in the WNBA ever. So it’s an exciting time. As a former athlete, I’m really proud of the WNBA and what it’s been able to achieve. And I think the next natural step is paying the athletes. (what they deserve)” said Jackson.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Lauren Jackson supports the WNBA players ❤️https://t.co/i6dA9b5ipz
— Debmallya Chakraborty (@DebmallyaC93340) November 2, 2025
Surely, such a statement would only bolster the athletes’ movement further. At the moment, the WNBA and the WNBPA have agreed on the 30-day deadline extension. However, as the situation continues to get more and more complicated, Chiney Ogwumike feels that a lockout is quite a distant possibility.
Chiney Ogwumike Feels WNBA Athletes Won’t Go Into Lockout
Over the past few months, the tensions around the CBA have grown drastically. In her exit interview, it was Napheesa Collier who lashed out and publicly accused Cathy Engelbert of a lack of accountability. Since then, the likes of A’ja Wilson, Angel Reese, Sophie Cunningham, and more have spoken up.
In light of recent events, there has been a looming threat regarding a possible work stoppage if the players’ demands are not fulfilled. But according to Ogwumike, that is unlikely to happen.
“One thing I do know for sure is that everyone wants to keep the product on the floor. right now, it’s crunch time and hopefully all parties — which I believe they are — are working toward reconciliation and moving forward because this is the momentum that women’s sports have been dreaming of,” said Ogwumike.
Thus, with no apparent solution yet, the CBA negotiations continue to build tension as the WNBA tries to find a middle ground.