WNBPA votes to authorize a strike ‘when necessary’

“Time and again, the players’ thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades,” the WNBPA said in a statement. “The players’ vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.” 

According to the WNBPA, 93% of eligible players took part in the voting process, and 98% were in favor of authorizing a strike if they deemed it necessary to do so. The WNBPA is calling this an “unavoidable response to the state of negotiations within the WNBA and its teams.”

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A source familiar with the WNBPA bylaws tells The IX Basketball that the vote allows the WNBPA to call a strike without a full membership vote. WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson and the seven-player executive committee can decide to do so in conjunction with the players’ association’s advisors.

Recently, Los Angeles Sparks guard and WNBPA First Vice President Kelsey Plum commented on the state of negotiations, saying, “It’s been a little bit disheartening.” And Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark said, “This is the biggest moment the WNBA has ever seen.” She added that players will “fight for everything we deserve.”

The WNBA responded to the WNBPA’s decision with a statement saying, “We strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations.

“It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are proposing numerous CBA modifications, including significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth,” the statement continued.

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The WNBPA agreed to extend the CBA past its original Oct. 31 deadline. The extension was initially set for Nov. 30 and later moved to Jan. 9, 2026. The union would have to terminate the extended agreement before going on strike, as provided in the current CBA extension. Both the WNBA and the WNBPA are allowed to terminate the extended deal with 48 hours’ notice.

A source familiar with the situation tells The IX Basketball that the league’s latest proposal includes a projected maximum salary of $1.3 million in 2026, a more than 8% increase from the last known figure of $1.2 million. That source also tells The IX Basketball that the base salary for maximum earning players remains at $1 million. Additionally, maximum salaries would grow to nearly $2 million over the life of the agreement, and average salaries would begin at $530,000 and grow to $770,000.

“Let it be known. The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future,” the WNBPA statement said.