The WNBA and WNBPA are voiding talks of delay or cancellation of the 2026 WNBA season, but action-wise, there were no strong initiatives from either party. The league made minimal changes to its proposals, hoping to get a nod from the WNBPA, while the players’ association is standing firm on its demands. Though recently the WNBPA lowered its demands to allow the league to make an ‘acceptable’ offer, Napheesa Collier opened up on the association’s stand.
The Lynx forward had been criticizing the WNBA’s way of operating and offering right from the start. Her viral exit interview opened the curtains on WNBA and WNBPA relations, which are still strained.
Napheesa Collier With Strong Remark On CBA
The WNBPA already hit back at the league’s offer, which was still halfway to the players’ expectations. Still, the PA took down their revenue-sharing percentage to 27.5%. The league is still not ready to shake hands on the offer, suggesting further delay.
Talking about the CBA discussions, the former UConn star already asked players to start saving money in case of a lockout. But on a USA Today interview, she showed faith in the league and expects the 2026 season to start – didn’t mention when. Adding to it, she said, “Well, someone’s gonna have to fold, aren’t they?”
In an interview with USA TODAY, WNBA star Napheesa Collier spoke about current CBA negotiations with the league and what happens next. https://t.co/1zZPEwC5UK
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) February 19, 2026
The 29-year-old also told the outlet the players plan to remain firm in their demands to the WNBA. As per the latest offer, the salary cap grows with league and team revenue growth, with an average player salary of more than $535,000 in the first year, which would grow to more than $775,000 in 2031. Also, the salary will increase from $1.3 million in the first year to nearly $2 million in 2031.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Both values, including the revenue-sharing offer, are very important to players but remain far from their expectations. As for Collier, she is happy to see the growth of her unrivaled league.
Napheesa Collier Is Excited For Unrivaled’s Success
The 3-on-3 tournament just set a record for highest attendance in women’s basketball history and is set for expansion in the coming seasons. Co-owner was happy with the progress in a short period and talked highly about the ‘growth of Women’s basketball’.
“And just growing the game, going to places where people don’t have a traditional or any professional women’s basketball team. We’re in your city for a night. We’re hopefully bringing new fans. Hopefully, we converted people, [and] they saw our product, and they loved one person. Or they loved a team, or whatever it is, and now, we’ve piqued their interest, and they’ve become a fan, and they spread it,” Collier told the media outlet.
In a interview with USA TODAY, Napheesa Collier discussed Unrivaled's growth in Season 2, including the return of Angel Reese. https://t.co/mXAoDeGfUz
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) February 20, 2026
Interestingly, many players are now expecting the Unrivaled and Project B as alternatives for the WNBA, if the CBA deal falls apart.