With less than 24 hours left in the second CB extension, the players’ association is ready with a plan. Beanna Stewart first cleared the air, denying any further extension. This puts pressure on the league to hit the bullseye in possibly the last attempt. Nneka Ogwumike further explained the situation in an interview with ESPN.
Answering the questions alongside Napheesa Collier, the Storm forward was certain on many aspects of the CBA discussions and even called for players’ unity in the discussion. With Caitlin Clark’s prophetic warning hitting hard, the words from the WNBPA president speak volumes.
Nneka Ogwumike Calls For Unity
The talks for the CBA had been ongoing for nearly a year, and the association had dismissed all proposals that the league had to offer so far. In the most recent proposal, which included a salary and revenue sharing model, Ogwumike leads the charge as WNBA players revolt over “disrespectful” CBA offers.
Now, with the nearly final phase of the current CBA discussion, Ogwumike asked for the players’ unity.
Talking to ESPN about the past few months of discussions, she said, “I’m really proud of how professional, and really patient, we’ve been as a collective. But quite frankly, this is my third CBA that I’ve been a part of, so I feel like I’ve been a part of three different eras, and this is by far the most transformational era that we’ve been a part of.”
This Q&A from @katie_barnes3 with Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier is worth your time today:https://t.co/Li5bU98oTi
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) January 9, 2026
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She also added that she is grateful for the players’ unity so far, and their fight has been more than just about a paycheck or a headline, and about higher salaries. It’s definitely for the players.
Regarding unity, 98% of players have given a green light for the strike, handing the authorities the power to make a strong decision. As president of the players’ association, Ogwumike talked about the actual needs of players.
Nneka Ogwumike Makes It Clear WNBPA Wants 2026 Season Amid Strike Vote
Right from the start, players were firm on their decision to get assurance on their demand, and if that’s not the case, they will sit out. Angel Reese and others were very vocal about the decision to strike. Caitlin Clark mentioned that both sides should look for ‘compromise’ to get the 2026 season. Amid this, the veteran forward discussed the strike decision.
Speaking to ESPN, Ogwumike said, “We’re looking for a good deal to get done, but I think we’re also prepared for whatever it takes for that to happen, while also understanding that we want a 2026 season. We want to make sure that that season is the way that it can be best for us to put the product on the court and for that product to be valued.”
WNBPA prez Nneka Ogwumike told ESPN after Thursday's strike authorization vote, "We're looking for a good deal to get done but I think we're also prepared for whatever it takes for that to happen, while also understanding that we want a 2026 season"
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) December 19, 2025
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It clearly indicates that the players are also looking to play in the 2026 season, but they are not ready to meet their demands.