As WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert held a press conference in the depths of Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of Saturday night’s All-Star Game, players used their pre-game warmups as a chance to send a message.
As WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert held a press conference in the depths of Gainbridge Fieldhouse ahead of Saturday night’s All-Star game, players used their pre-game warmups as a chance to send a message.
“Pay us what you owe us,” the T-shirts worn by each player read.
The Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association and league stakeholders remain at an impasse as negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement become more strained and a work stoppage after this season becomes more likely.
While many players felt Thursday’s CBA meeting was a “wasted opportunity” and said little-to-no progress was achieved, Engelbert said she thought the gathering with 40-plus players and league stakeholders was “constructive.”
“We had candid dialogue and this is part of the process,” Engelbert said. “I fully respect the players who are listening. They’re listening to our owners and we’re kind of in the middle of the league trying to make sure we’re setting this league up for success for decades. And that’s the goal. To have a fair CBA for all.”
Both sides want to write out a “transformational” CBA but the WNBA and players’ union have different viewpoints on what that might look like.
It took the league five months to counter the WNBPA’s initial proposals, and the WNBA’s response was not well received amongst players.
