Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers didn’t mince words when asked about the WNBA’s counterproposal in ongoing collective bargaining agreement talks.
More than 40 WNBA players, including Bueckers, gathered ahead of All-Star weekend for what the union described as the largest in-person CBA meeting in league history. But despite the historic turnout, several players said the discussion yielded no measurable progress.
Following Thursday’s in-person session in Indianapolis, Bueckers called the league’s offer “kind of disrespectful,” highlighting growing frustration among players as negotiations stall.
“I think it was great to show, as players, how important that meeting was to us,” Bueckers said. “Over 40 people in that room—it was historic for CBA negotiations. But there wasn’t a point where we felt we were coming to a meeting of the minds. There’s a lot more we want as players and are going to try to demand.
“We don’t want to sound ungrateful for what the WNBA provides, but we sacrifice our bodies, minds, time, and effort,” she explained. “We play a huge part in this league and feel like we should be rewarded for that. What they proposed was not enough—it was kind of disrespectful. So we’ll keep fighting, keep showing up, and continue to push for what we deserve.”
Two-time MVP and WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart called the meeting “a wasted opportunity,” while Liberty guard Natasha Cloud added, “I don’t think any progress is made.”
At the heart of the divide is revenue sharing. The players’ association is pushing for a larger percentage of league income, increased salaries, expanded benefits, and roster-building flexibility. Stewart described the proposals from both sides as “black and white,” emphasizing how far apart they remain.
Bueckers, one of the youngest and most prominent players involved in the process, has emerged as a vocal advocate for change in her first professional season. She previously attended the session in business attire, joining veterans like Stewart and union president Nneka Ogwumike.
The current CBA expires in October. Without an agreement, the league could face a work stoppage — the first in its 28-year history.
Despite the frustration, both the WNBPA and league officials said discussions will continue. A date for the next session has not yet been confirmed.
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