All articles tagged with #wnba
Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Plum publicly question WNBPA leadership as CBA talks drag on, saying players have had limited involvement and calling for a different dynamic at the negotiating table; the rift comes as the league pitches a larger 2026 cap and a new revenue-sharing framework, with some warning that a prolonged stalemate could hurt the season and the league’s momentum.
Former WNBA All-Star Kara Braxton, a 10-year veteran who won two titles with the Detroit Shock, died at 43 in a Cobb County car crash in Georgia. Braxton also played for Tulsa, Phoenix and New York in the WNBA and overseas, and is survived by her husband and two sons; her son Jelani Thurman played for Ohio State’s 2024 national championship team and recently transferred to North Carolina.
Former two-time WNBA champion Kara Braxton died in a solo-vehicle crash on Interstate 285 near Cobb Parkway in Cobb County, Ga., after her 2023 Ford Mustang struck a median; she was 43. Braxton played 10 seasons with Detroit Shock, Tulsa Shock, Phoenix Mercury, and New York Liberty, winning titles in 2006 and 2008, later playing overseas and earning a Georgia degree in 2024; authorities are investigating and seeking witnesses.
The WNBPA delivered a counterproposal to the WNBA demanding 25% of league revenue (about 27.5% over the life of the deal) and team-provided housing for players in the early years, while reducing the proposed salary cap to near $9.5 million. The league countered that the proposal is unrealistic, could cost hundreds of millions, and may delay the season, noting its own offer would share under 15% of revenue in year one with a $5.65M cap that would rise over time. With the season about 80 days away, talks continue alongside expansion drafts and free agency; players had previously authorized a near-unanimous strike.
With the May 8 start looming, the WNBA blasted the union’s latest CBA counterproposal as 'unrealistic,' warning it would cost teams hundreds of millions. The WNBPA’s offer calls for about 27.5% of gross revenue over the deal (down from 31%), including housing concessions, while the league’s proposal ties revenue sharing to net revenue and promises higher salaries and stricter facilities requirements; the parties still must hammer out two drafts and free agency before training camp.
WNBA owners sent a counter-proposal to the players’ union, keeping revenue sharing below 15% of league revenue and reintroducing a limited housing plan tied to a developmental roster (two spots per team with per-game pay and housing benefits, including studio apartments for lower-salary players and one-bedroom units for early-career players in the initial years). The league also offered non-economic concessions (pregnant-player trade consent, no marijuana testing, higher performance bonuses) while salaries remain well below union expectations. Talks continue ahead of a May 8 season start, with concerns a deal by early February is needed to avoid delays.
The WNBA union president says substantial work remains to ensure the 2026 season starts on time, signaling ongoing negotiations between players and league management.
In New York, the WNBA and its players’ union held a roughly three-hour in-person meeting, but the league did not present a counterproposal to the union’s latest offer and instead said it would prepare an official response. The players seek a $10.5 million cap and a revenue-share model based on total revenues before deductions, plus housing, retirement benefits, and professional standards; the league’s prior offer featured a $1.3 million max salary and an average salary over $530k under its revenue-sharing plan. About 40 players joined via Zoom, with leadership from both sides and several team owners in attendance. While reports of internal EC debate emerged, players say there is no fracturing. A strike remains possible but is not imminent, and more talks are required before any decision on labor action.
Clark joked she’s 5 ft 2 in, the shortest at the Lakers-Knicks broadcast crew, and even teased wearing stilts next time, as fans praised her debut.
As WNBA CBA negotiations resume, talks are at an impasse with a potential strike looming. A high-stakes in-person meeting in New York will bring WNBPA leaders like Nneka Ogwumike, Kelsey Plum, and Napheesa Collier together with league officials to push for a larger revenue share, a higher salary cap, and protections such as housing; Natasha Cloud publicly criticized the league’s approach. The union seeks roughly 30% of gross revenue and a $10.5M cap, vs. the league’s offer of around 15% of gross revenue (70% of net) and a $5M cap, while free agency remains on hold and the 2026 season approaches. The outcome could mark a turning point in negotiations.
NBC Sports is adding Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star, as a special contributor to its NBA coverage this season, making her NBC debut on Basketball Night in America at Madison Square Garden on Feb. 1 ahead of Sunday Night Basketball, joining hosts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Maria Taylor; she’ll also appear regularly on NBC’s NBA studio show once the WNBA season tips off, with Michael Jordan slated for occasional appearances.
Indiana Fever released its 2026 schedule (44 games), opening May 9 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse against the Dallas Wings; the season introduces expansion teams Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, features Commissioner’s Cup matchups, several back-to-back game series, road trips, and a league pause Aug. 31–Sept. 16 for the FIBA World Cup.
Houston Rockets ownership is in talks to buy and relocate the Connecticut Sun, with positive discussions ongoing, potentially marking a move towards more NBA-owned WNBA teams, amid previous sale attempts and league interests in returning to Houston.
Caitlin Clark, Indiana Fever All-Star, participated in The Annika Pro-Am golf event for the second year, showcasing her golf skills and enjoying the experience with celebrity caddies and fellow athletes, despite recent injuries in her basketball season. The event highlighted her popularity and versatility, with notable moments like a logo-putt and impressive drives, drawing large crowds and positive attention from the golf community.
Sandy Brondello chose to coach the Toronto Tempo over other offers due to a strong collaborative fit, accepting a multi-year, seven-figure contract that makes her one of the highest-paid WNBA coaches, reflecting her reputation and the league's competitive salaries.