WNBA: players vote to strike 'when necessary' amid labor talks

The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) announced Thursday that its members have authorized the union’s executive committee to call a strike if necessary, as labor negotiations with the league continue.

“The players have spoken,” the WNBPA said in a statement. “Through a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized the WNBPA’s seven-member Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary. The players’ decision is an unavoidable response to the current state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.”

According to the union, 93% of eligible players participated in the vote, with 98% supporting strike authorization.

Union leaders emphasized that the vote does not signal an immediate strike but reflects growing frustration among players. “Time and again, the players’ thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met with resistance to change and a recommitment to provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades,” the WNBPA said.

“The players’ vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one,” the statement added. “Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.”

Labor negotiations were initially set to conclude on Oct. 31 but were extended to Nov. 30, then again to Jan. 9, 2026, just minutes before the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was set to expire. The players opted out of the existing agreement last year, citing concerns over salaries and the league’s revenue-sharing model.

Additional priorities for players include minimum facility standards, charter travel policies, and expanded retirement and family planning benefits, according to ESPN.

When announcing the most recent extension, the WNBA said either party may terminate negotiations with 48 hours’ notice. If no agreement is reached, the dispute could lead to a work stoppage through either a player strike or a league-initiated lockout. The sides could also agree to continue under the current CBA or finalize a new deal, though reports suggest negotiations remain far apart.

Following the union’s announcement, the WNBA released a statement disputing the players’ characterization of the talks.

“While we acknowledge the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA’s depiction of the current state of negotiations,” the league said. “It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given our proposals for significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model tied to league growth.”

The WNBA said it remains committed to reaching an agreement as soon as possible and moving forward with its 30th season in 2026. The league has never missed games due to a strike or work stoppage.

“We have negotiated in good faith and with urgency,” the WNBA said. “Our focus remains on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement that meaningfully enhances player pay, benefits, and experience while supporting the long-term growth of the league and the future of the game.” -Field Level Media/Reuters