MORE WNBA players are joining Angel Reese’s stance on opting out of the league’s current CBA.
Reese has made it known that WNBA players could go on strike if salaries aren’t raised in the league.
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The WNBA recently opted out of its collective bargaining agreement, meaning it will expire at the end of this season instead of 2027.
WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson released a statement about this decision last October.
“The players made the decision to opt out of the last CBA to realign the business and save the league from its own limitations,” she said.
“With a stronger foundation and new investments flowing in, they’re opting out again – this time to fully professionalize the league, secure proper wages, improve working conditions and lock in meaningful benefits.”
Players are using this opportunity to further advance the treatment of players in the league, and Reese has been among the most vocal.
However, others like Nnekaa Ogwumike are starting to speak up as well.
Reese posted a statement that Ogwumike made about the CBA on her Instagram Story on Wednesday.
“Opting out [of the current CBA] isn’t just about bigger paychecks,” Ogwumike said.
“It’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come.
“We’re not just asking for a CBA that reflects our value; we’re demanding it, because we’ve earned it.”
There are several points of contention within the WNBA Players Association, but Reese has been the most vocal about pay.
She shared her opinion about this on the Unapologetically Angel podcast.
“I need to be in the (players’ union) meetings because I’m hearing that if (the league) don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,” she said.
“That’s a possibility, for real,” guest Dijonani Carrington said.
The statement got a strong response on social media, but Reese was ready to fire back with a response.
WNBA All-Star rosters
THE 2024 WNBA All-Star game rosters have been announced, with Team WNBA set to face Team USA on July 20.
Team WNBA:
- DeWanna Bonner – Connecticut Sun
- Aliyah Boston – Indiana Fever
- Caitlin Clark – Indiana Fever
- Allisha Gray – Atlanta Dream
- Dearica Hamby – Los Angeles Sparks
- Brionna Jones – Connecticut Sun
- Jonquel Jones – New York Liberty
- Kayla McBride – Minnesota Lynx
- Kelsey Mitchell – Indiana Fever
- Arike Ogunbowale – Dallas Wings
- Nneka Ogwumike – Seattle Storm
- Angel Reese – Chicago Sky
Team USA:
- Napheesa Collier – Minnesota Lynx
- Kahleah Copper – Phoenix Mercury
- Chelsea Gray – Las Vegas Aces
- Brittney Griner – Phoenix Mercury
- Sabrina Ionescu – New York Liberty
- Jewell Loyd – Seattle Storm
- Kelsey Plum – Las Vegas Aces
- Breanna Stewart – New York Liberty
- Diana Taurasi – Phoenix Mercury
- Alyssa Thomas – Connecticut Sun
- A’ja Wilson – Las Vegas Aces
- Jackie Young – Las Vegas Aces
“I said, ‘I’m hearing if they don’t give us what we want, we sitting out.’ And that’s the truth,” she said.
“I never said anything about the NBA. We are prepared to stay at the negotiating table for as long as it takes.
“Here’s the link to my podcast so you can hear the conversation too.
“I will continue to use my voice to speak for what WE want & deserve as a league. Thank ya.”
