The WNBA fanbase is just stuck in limbo, searching for positive news on the CBA discussions. Although the league announced its schedule and Breanna Stewart also showed an encouraging sign that the discussion is ending, no one will take anything for granted until the deal is announced. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said the players are looking forward to the season being in place.
But Sophie Cunningham raised a question over the possibility of the 2026 season. But now the Seattle Storm star opened up on some behind-the-scenes happenings and players’ expectations in an exclusive interview.
Nneka Ogwumike On Intense CBA Discussions
The CBA discussions were the top priority from the end of the 2024 season onward. The players’ association was ready with its demands and remained united on them. Natasha Cloud and other players continued to emphasize their demands. According to the latest report, WNBA and players union head to face-to-face talks Monday, hoping to finally break the CBA deadlock
Ahead of the meeting, the WNBPA president spoke about the discussions to date. Ogwumike said, “Ideally, this would have gotten done a little bit earlier, but we want a good deal, rather than one that’s done in a fashion that suits a schedule. And so we’re looking forward to being able to come out of this proud of what we’ve negotiated, proud of the process, while also looking forward to having a season.”
Nneka Ogwumike goes behind-the-scenes on CBA negotations https://t.co/KAjrjGfJve
— SB Nation (@SBNation) January 31, 2026
She added that the players want to play but want a deal that would value their efforts. Looking ahead to the historic CBA moment, the veteran forward said she is grateful to be part of the league everyone wants to play in.
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Although this is Ogwumike’s second CBA discussion, she is learning from her first meetings. She opened up about the same in the interview.
Nneka Ogwumike Learning From 2020 CBA Negotiations
As president, Ogwumike has many duties and authorities. But she added that she understood the process and did not need to be present 24X7. She has multiple players in authority positions and is working towards the main goal.
“Now, being in a second negotiation as president, it’s not anything that you ever truly figure out, but I do think that you’re able to field more support in different ways. You’re able to understand that there’s purpose in what you do,” Ogwumike said.
For Monday’s meeting, Napheesa Collier and Kelsey Plum will be available in person, while Breanna Stewart will attend via Zoom. Plum has already dropped a bombshell, yet hopes for a positive outcome to the discussions.