Saniya Rivers Has High Hopes For Player Salaries Amid CBA Negotiations – “Will Increase At Some Point”

The Connecticut Sun had a very challenging season in the WNBA, plagued by several distractions within the roster. The sale and relocation of the franchise were a significant distraction, as players had to navigate through all the noise surrounding the roster. Saniya Rivers mentioned that the team focused on winning.

Late in the season, Connecticut Sun ownership alleged the WNBA is blocking the sale and ‘trying to steal’ the franchise at a lower price. While such a commercial aspect of the business was reserved for top executives in the franchises and league, the talented guard spoke about herself and rookies like her in a recent podcast interview.

Saniya Rivers Hopes For Improved Salaries

Natalie Esquire and Terrika Foster-Brasby sit down and chat with the Connecticut Sun’s star, who made a huge impact for the Sun franchise and could be the pillar of the rebuild the franchise is hoping for.

Speaking about the commercial part of the league on the podcast, the young star was very honest and optimistic.

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.”

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The recent CBA proposal breakdown showed improved salaries for the rookies, but the WNBPA is pushing for more. The former NC State player mentioned that she is a person who appreciates what she has and is excited by the long-term rookie contract at first.

While the star spoke her heart out about the business part of the league, she is certainly doing her bit on the floor, and has shown great improvement from the early days in the league. Her incredible season and college career also earned her a jersey retirement honor.

Saniya Rivers Gets Emotional During Jersey Retirement

While the 22-year-old played a vital role in NC State’s success, she was an impactful player at the high school level, too, playing for Eugene Ashley High School. She was a three-time North Carolina Gatorade player of the year and a four-time NCBCA All-state selection.

In mid-December 2025, the high school retired her jersey in honor of her contributions to the team and the sport. The player got emotional at the ceremony as she said, “Going into the locker room, going into the coach’s office, being in the principal’s office, it’s hitting me a little bit. I’ve got butterflies in my stomach because I’m a little nervous. But, it’s good nerves, it just means I care and I’m just happy to be able to accept this honor in front of my family.”

Let's pack the Stands tonight!@Ihoop___22 🤩 Saniya Rivers , Ashley High School Jersey Retirement

Wilmington phenom to Gatorade National Player of the Year, McDonald’s All-American and 2,500+ career points… pic.twitter.com/cL7AD7wOeE

— Karen Barefoot (@KBarefoot10) December 12, 2025

Rivers finished her career with the 2021 Gatorade National Player of the Year and a McDonald’s All-American honor. Rivers was a five-star recruit, the number three player, and the number 2 guard in the class of 2021 by ESPN.