After five months with no response from the league, the WNBPA has finally received a counterproposal on a new CBA—just weeks before All-Star Weekend. From salary demands to player safety and media rights, everything’s now on the table….

For months, things were quiet—too quiet.

After opting out of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) last October, the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) had been waiting. Waiting for the league to respond. Waiting for a signal that meaningful negotiations were about to begin.

Now, according to WNBPA president and Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, that silence has finally broken. And for the first time in a while, there’s real momentum.

In an exclusive interview with The New York Post, Ogwumike confirmed that the league has formally responded to the players’ CBA proposals, calling the talks “on track” as both sides prepare for a high-stakes in-person meeting during All-Star Weekend in mid-July.

“We finally got a meaningful response,” Ogwumike said. “That’s significant. We had been waiting months—since January—for the league to engage in this process. Now, with the All-Star break coming up, we’re where we need to be.”

The Stakes: More Games, More Demands, More Pressure

The WNBA’s current CBA was supposed to run through the 2027 season. But the players’ decision to opt out early sent a clear message: the status quo is no longer acceptable.

This season, the league expanded to a 40-game schedule for the second year in a row—and the pressure on players has only intensified. From growing media demands to limited roster sizes and concerns about health, travel, and family planning, the list of unresolved issues is long.

Among the union’s top priorities:

Increased salaries across the board

Expanded team rosters to alleviate fatigue and injury risk

More transparency around player fines and league discipline

Greater say over broadcast rights and player marketing

Support for family planning and parental leave

Players have also raised concerns over the league’s officiating, especially following a string of controversial non-calls and physical plays this season. Ogwumike emphasized the need for “shared accountability” between players and referees to ensure safety and fairness.

The “Clark Factor” and Growing Visibility

Though she’s not directly involved in the bargaining committee, rookie phenom Caitlin Clark’s name inevitably came up.

“Caitlin represents a massive moment for the league,” Ogwumike said. “She’s not just a great player—she’s a movement. She reminds me a little of how Michael Jordan’s presence impacted CBA talks in the NBA. Her popularity raises the stakes for everyone.”

Indeed, the Clark effect is real. WNBA attendance and ratings have surged in 2025, with Indiana Fever games becoming must-watch events. But the spike in visibility has also raised uncomfortable questions about how little the league shares with the players who generate that interest.

According to MarketWatch, WNBA players currently receive roughly 9.3% of league revenue—a far cry from the 50% revenue share enjoyed by players in the NBA, NHL, or NFL.

With the league expected to sign a massive new media deal worth close to $200 million annually by 2026, many around the league believe now is the time to realign the economics.

All Eyes on All-Star Weekend

The next major flashpoint will come in Indianapolis at All-Star Weekend, where the two sides are expected to meet face-to-face. While Ogwumike didn’t reveal specifics about what’s on the table, she said the players are entering negotiations with a unified voice and a clear mission.

“Everyone’s involved. Whether they’re on the bargaining committee or not, every player has a voice,” she said. “And we’re going to use it.”

The goal isn’t just a bigger paycheck—it’s building a system that supports longevity, family, health, and a future in the game.

A League at a Crossroads

The WNBA is enjoying unprecedented attention. Stars like Clark, A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and Arike Ogunbowale are household names. Social media buzzes with every highlight, and sold-out arenas have become common. But growth without reinvestment risks collapse.

Ogwumike knows that. And she’s betting the league knows it, too.

“This is a league that’s growing, a fanbase that’s passionate, and a moment that demands we get it right,” she said. “We’re not asking for the moon. We’re asking for fairness, for investment, and for progress.”

If All-Star Weekend delivers the breakthrough many hope for, it could mark a turning point—not just for this season, but for the future of women’s professional basketball.

“We’re ready,” Ogwumike said. “The question is: is the league?”