On Friday night, just 30 minutes before the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the WNBA and its players union, the WNBA Players Association released a statement criticizing the league’s negotiating methods and accusing it of trying to run out the clock.

“At midnight, the 2020 WNBA-WNBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement will expire. Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise to finalize a deal, the WNBA and its teams have refused to engage with us seriously. They have opted to undervalue player contributions, ignore player concerns, and delay negotiations,” the statement declared.

The WNBPA still has not received a counter offer for a proposal it submitted over two weeks ago, sources informed CBS Sports.

Union Critique
Union Critique of WNBA

The expectation of reaching an agreement is fading. While the league and players will continue to function under the 2020 CBA rules, either side has the authority to initiate a work stoppage at any moment.

Last month, players authorized a strike if deemed necessary, yet a lockout seems unlikely, as both entities have shown a commitment to negotiating in good faith. Breanna Stewart expressed optimism about reaching an agreement by February 1 during a podcast earlier this week.

Efforts by the WNBPA to intensify pressure on the league were evident last Friday, with Scabby the Rat, an inflatable symbol used in labor disputes, displayed outside the NBA store in New York City.

“This inflatable rat, a common emblem of labor protest, highlights the handling of negotiations by the league and teams. Their delays jeopardize not only the players’ livelihoods but also fan trust and investment, clinging to outdated provisions that should no longer exist in women’s basketball,” stated the WNBPA.

Continued player commitment and assertion for equitable compensation remain strong, indicating that the fight for justice is ongoing.