Within 48 hours of the new extended CBA period, the league came up with a constructive proposal, emphasizing the commercial demands of the players. While they addressed a few issues from earlier proposals, there is still a gap between the two parties.
WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike was furious about the latest proposal and called it ‘disrespectful’ for the players. While she felt that the league was not listening to the players’ association, the WNBA’s new terms angered the players more.
WNBA Players Criticize Change In Housing And Rescheduling Terms
Two significant modifications that would adversely impact players are changes in housing plans and the schedule for the new season. The housing plan directly impacts the low-earning players, while the WNBA’s schedule change will affect nearly every player, especially the rookies.
According to Front Office Sports’ Anni Constabile, many players are unhappy that the WNBA — which “is not yet the premier league in terms of salaries, resources, and benefits”. Moreover, the players feel that the league is looking to impose its authority to derail their earning potential elsewhere.
WNBA’s recent CBA proposal also included:
— Underdog WNBA (@UnderdogWNBA) December 2, 2025
– Removal of in-season team housing
– Lengthening season with training camp starting as early as mid-March
(per @AnnieCostabile)
With Project B, the EuroLeague and the Unrivaled League are emerging as commercially lucrative options for players; the league is already looking to establish itself as the ‘owner’ of top talent in the league.
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While the 2020 CBA deal saw the league successfully implement the ‘WNBA prioritization rule’, giving it exclusivity over WNBA players, these new changes will intensify the same. Why would the league include such a strict ruling? There could be just one possible answer to this question.
WNBA In Fear Of Losing Top Talent?
Project B is making a strong push with an offer that not many payers can refuse. It added players like Kelsy Mitchell, Sophie Cunningham, Alyssa Thomas, Nneka Ogwumike, Jewell Loyd, and Jonquel Jones to its roster, many fearing losing even more popular names like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, or Angel Reese.
Losing such elite players would highlight the league’s incompetence to take ‘care’ of the superstars who build the league. Moreover, the WNBA would also lose its identity as the world’s toughest league. Implementing such strict rules will ensure players are bound to the WNBA on a long-term basis and avoid any interference from other competitive leagues.
Ironically, the rules are pushing the player further away, and with the time slipping away, the authorities have little time to make necessary amendments.