The WNBA is teetering on the edge of a historic showdown as tensions over the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) reach a boiling point. Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese, one of the league’s brightest stars, has thrown down the gauntlet, warning that players are ready to sit out games if their demands for fair pay aren’t met. The bold declaration, paired with All-Stars donning “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts during warmups, has sent shockwaves through the sports world, sparking heated debates and lighting up social media platforms like Threads with a mix of support, skepticism, and outright chaos. Is this the moment the WNBA’s players seize control of their future—or a risky gamble that could fracture the league?
Reese, the 2024 Rookie of the Year runner-up, didn’t mince words on her Unapologetically Angel podcast, revealing that players are prepared to take drastic action. “I’m hearing if they don’t give us what we want, we sitting out,” she told Dallas Wings star Dijonai Carrington, igniting a firestorm of reactions. The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) opted out of the current CBA in October 2024, setting the stage for high-stakes negotiations as the agreement expires on October 31, 2025. With the 2025 season still governed by the existing deal, players have a year to push for what they call a “transformational” contract—but they’re not waiting quietly.
The WNBA’s recent surge in popularity, fueled by rookies like Reese and Caitlin Clark, has brought unprecedented viewership and revenue. A $2.2 billion media rights deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon, alongside expansion fees from new teams in San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto, signals a financial boom. Yet, players argue they’re getting crumbs while the league feasts. Reese, who earns $74,909 this season, has been vocal about her financial struggles, famously stating, “The WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills. Literally.” Her $8,000 monthly rent dwarfs her salary, forcing her to rely on endorsement deals with brands like Reebok and Reese’s Pieces to make ends meet.
The All-Star weekend in July 2025 became a flashpoint for player activism. Over 40 players, including Reese, Clark, and Paige Bueckers, attended a CBA meeting in Indianapolis, where the league’s latest proposal was slammed as “disrespectful” by Reese and a “slap in the face” by Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally. New York Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu echoed the sentiment, vowing players won’t settle for “the minimum.” Fans amplified the message, booing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during her All-Star speech and chanting “PAY THEM! PAY THEM!” as Reese and Breanna Stewart egged them on. The players’ unified front, coupled with their bold warmup shirts, turned the event into a rallying cry for change.
Social media erupted, with Threads buzzing over Reese’s threat to “sit out.” Some fans hailed her as a trailblazer fighting for the next generation, while others mocked her, pointing to a viral clip of her missing three straight layups in an Unrivaled game. “She gotta be worth at least 25-30/year. Not million… cents,” one user quipped, highlighting the polarized reactions. Critics argue the WNBA, which has never turned a profit and relies on NBA subsidies, can’t afford massive pay hikes. Supporters counter that players deserve a bigger slice of the revenue pie, especially with viewership up 140% in 2024 and a lucrative media deal looming.
The players’ demands go beyond salaries. They’re pushing for revenue sharing akin to the NBA’s 50-50 model, better travel accommodations, childcare benefits, and pensions. Currently, WNBA players receive less than 10% of league revenue, compared to the NBA’s equitable split. Stars like Brittney Griner and Sabally have signed one-year contracts, banking on a richer CBA in 2026. Meanwhile, Reese’s participation in Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 league offering $250,000 salaries for an eight-week season, underscores the pay disparity—her WNBA earnings pale in comparison.
Commissioner Engelbert remains optimistic, calling the talks “constructive” and emphasizing sustainability. But with players like Reese refusing to back down, the threat of a strike looms large. “We’re not gonna stop until we get
get exactly what we want,” Reese declared, a sentiment shared by many players. The WNBPA, led by president Nneka Ogwumike, is focused on securing a deal that reflects the players’ contributions to the league’s growth. WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson emphasized, “Our members are passionate about the future of this league, and we’re pushing for a transformational deal that’s fair.”
As negotiations continue, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A work stoppage in 2026 could disrupt the season, alienate fans, and test the league’s newfound momentum. Yet, the players’ resolve is clear: they’re ready to risk it all for what they believe they’re owed. Will the WNBA meet their demands, or is a historic standoff inevitable? One thing’s certain—this fight is bigger than basketball, and the world is watching. 💸
Sources: Sportico, Men’s Journal, Sports Illustrated, Fox News, Yahoo Sports, Daily Mail, Sporting News, ESPN, Vibe, Athlon Sports, CBS Chicago, ProFootballNetwork
