Discussing the CBA deal, Caitlin Clark emphasized that fans should be the top priority, and for them, both parties can even compromise to get the product on the floor. And now, after three deadline days have passed. Clark’s prophetic warning hits hard as the WNBA faces total meltdown risk.
Interestingly, as layers are restless to get the demands they deserve, the fans are also losing patience and arguing online about the delay.
WNBA Fans Argue On CBA Delay
After January 9, the WNBA and WNBPA returned to the status quo, allowing them to negotiate and work normally, but with the threat still looming over the league. The player showed their unity again in refusing to sign contracts until a new CBA agreement is in place.
While such conditions create tension between the league and the players’ association, they are still working towards completing the deal. But looking at the dates and upcoming schedule, fans are already showing their frustration online.
The WNBPA has truly fumbled the bag.
— Syd 🌵 (@sydney_thinks) January 11, 2026
And here’s an example of what I mean: last year, I was able to go to a Fever home game in Indiana. I bought the tickets to that game as soon as they dropped – in December of 2024.
In December of ‘24, I already knew what I was doing on July…
A few fans also argued that the delay leaves fans and franchises confused about their plans.
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A fan said, “Cathy Engelbert is a maestro at fumbling the bag.“
Cathy Engelbert is a maestro at fumbling the bag. Her incompetent leadership is the issue and the stumbling block in getting a new CBA done.
— Roger Hardy 🌵🔋🏴☠️ (@Roger__Hardy) January 12, 2026
One fan added, “The players have handled this wrong.“
The players have handled this wrong, and how they’ve handled this is a reflection of the way the WNBA is ran.
— lance murrell (@lance_murrell) January 12, 2026
Another fan supported players and mentioned, “I get your frustration but you got to trust them.”
So they should sign a bad deal just so you can go to a basketball game. I get your frustration but you got to trust them. They want to play.
— Mike Marion (@subvetnucmmcmss) January 12, 2026
A fan wrote, “It’s a complete travesty.”
It’s a complete travesty
— ev riley (@evriley) January 12, 2026
Another fan mentioned, “I’m also debating selling a Cunningham jersey NWT.”
Exact same story here. I’m also debating selling a Cunningham jersey NWT that I have just in case they eff everything up and she’s on another team next time they play in 2027.
— John Michaels (@Pecker2002) January 12, 2026
The fans are clearly worried about the future of the league and the upcoming season. But the WNBPA president had a message for them as she answered media questions.
Nneka Ogunbowale Open Up On WNBA 2026 Season
The players’ association passed a resolution giving the authorities the right to call a strike at any moment. While this intensifies the pressure on the league and its fans, the president came forward to calm their nerves.
Speaking to ESPN, Ogwumike said, “We’re looking for a good deal. 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.”
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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The WNBPA already made its stance clear and mentioned the points they won’t be negotiating on; it’s up to the league right now to see the deal go through.