The WNBA-WNBPA CBA discussion remained at Step 1, as the players’ association declined the league’s current offer. The WNBPA also showed their creativity, sharing a post with Valentine’s Day poems, which were changed a bit to criticize the league.
The players’ association earlier used a similar technique to attract public attention, staging a protest on the WNBA All-Star game stage. Cathy Engelbert feared similar actions during the NBA All-Star games.
Rumors Around WNBA Players’ Strike Or Protest During 2026 NBA All-Star Game
The NBA All-Star received many celebrities, including former President Barack Obama. Lisa Leslie was also present for the game. Fans showed love for Leslie as she clicked a photo with influencer Olandria. While everything looked ‘normal’ for the All-Star event, the WNBA Commissioner had other fears, and she alarmed Adam Silver about it, too.
According to Front Office Sports, “A rumor throughout the weekend was that there would be a demonstration by WNBA players in Los Angeles to push for a better deal—WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert reports to Silver—or even announce a strike. But the weekend ended without any such event.”
FOS:
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@vanshaym) February 16, 2026
“A rumor throughout the weekend was that there would be a demonstration by WNBA players in Los Angeles to push for a better deal—WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert reports to Silver—or even announce a strike. But the weekend ended without any such event.” https://t.co/HXk6TyizSq
On the players’ side, they never interfered with other leagues’ special events or even games, though they are adamant about their demands.
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There is no doubt that NBA stars are wholeheartedly supporting their WNBA counterparts. NBPA even released a statement backing the WNBPA’s stance on CBA. Now, after nearly four months, former NBPA members once again spoke about the topic.
NBPA Members With Special Message For WNBA Players
NBA star Chris Paul announced his retirement midway through the 2025-26 season. While that held position in the NBPA during his time in the league, her gave advice to the current WNBPA committee about their CBA discussions.
Ahead of the NBA All-Star game, he said, “My biggest advice would be unity, as a committee as a player. So many different players will have so many different views, but any time when you find the way to be together, you are a lot stronger together, and I think that’s what we learned from our years.”
Former and current NBPA leaders, Chris Paul and Jaylen Brown on whether they have any advice for the WNBPA in their CBA negotiations:
— Natalie Esquire (@natfluential) February 16, 2026
Jaylen Brown: “Get what you deserve.”
Chris Paul: “Unity…be together” pic.twitter.com/yH4edEhUv9
The players are looking for an NBA-like revenue-sharing model. Though the numbers may differ between the WNBA and the NBA, WNBA players want to set the scheme based only on the 2026 CBA deal.