The CBA discussions between the WNBA and the WNBPA up till now were an exchange of proposals and even criticism over the counterproposals. Players criticized the league for the delays and also for not valuing the player demands, and even voted for a possible strike.
But, suddenly, the tone of a few players changed in the last few days. WNBA players backtrack on strike talk amid CBA deadlock. Though this highlighted the rift between players reported earlier, the WNBPA executive director points the finger at the league ownership for the same.
WNBA Union Director Blames League Owners For Player Rift
The league decided March 10 as the deadline for the CBA discussions. The decision already had a proposal on the table, urging the players’ association to quickly agree to the terms. As per the WNBPA executive director, Terri Jackson, this was the main reason for the unrest among the players.
Talking exclusively to FOS, Jackson said, “I hear the frustration. I hear the emotions and the range of them as a result of the league putting pressure on the players, the league dragging this out. The one thing I said to [the players] is they have one tool and their tool is to out wait you.”
EXCLUSIVE: The WNBPA's executive director blames the recent divides among players on the league.
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 5, 2026
“I hear the emotions and the range of them as a result of the league putting pressure on the players, the league dragging this out," Terri Carmichael Jackson tells FOS.
The WNBA had lengthy stops early in the decisions and discussions, and even came to a meeting without a proposal, which highlights their intentions to slow down the process early on. And now they are putting pressure back on the PA to work out the ‘maths’ before March 10 for the season to start on time.
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WNBPA secretary Elizabeth Williams also backed her director and told FOS that she heard about a lack of communication and players not feeling comfortable speaking up for the first time.
“I think maybe because the pace of negotiations move faster now people may feel like they’re playing catchup,” Williams said. “That’s my guess, but any member can initiate a call or meeting if they want to.”
Earlier, Terri called it ‘a difference in opinion’ rather than labelling it as a rift between the players, but now, her clear stance and serious talks highlight a bigger issue for the WNBPA.
WNBA Strike Remains A Possibility As Per Association’s Top Executive
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike earlier maintained the meaning of ‘strike vote’ as the CBA talks slowed down from November to early February. Now, though many players are not comfortable with the strike and shutting down the season completely, Vice President Alysha Clark made her stance clear.
In social media interaction with a reporter, she wrote, “Hey Callie, this is not accurate. The strike is very much still on the table.”
An exchange from threads with Alysha Clark, who is a vice president on the WNBPA’s executive committee:
— Callie Fin (@Callie__Fin) March 2, 2026
“A strike is very much still on the table” pic.twitter.com/rOMnoRGnCO
She added, “Players expressing their personal opinion on not loving the idea of a strike vs it is being taken off the table is very different. I know some of the interviews I have watched also said we are prepared and have been preparing should one be called.”
As much as the situation over the CBA deal is unclear, the different stands in PA are increasing the confusion among WNBA fans.