WNBA CBA Deadline Approaching Amid Unrivaled Launch
The deadline for the WNBA and its players to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement is set for January 9, which leaves only a few days for both sides to come to an understanding. Interestingly, the season for Unrivaled, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league started by WNBA stars Brianna Stewart and Nafeesa Collier, kicked off on Monday. While much of the media buzz was centered around Unrivaled, there were also interspersed questions regarding the ongoing CBA negotiations.
Nafeesa Collier, as a co-founder of Unrivaled, has taken on significant media responsibilities. It was revealed on New Year’s Day that she would be missing the Unrivaled season due to upcoming surgeries on both ankles, with an estimated recovery time of four to five months. Despite this setback, Collier mentioned during the season’s opening weekend that she would continue her rehab at Unrivaled’s Miami facility. This absence means that she will take on more of an ambassador role, which aligns with her advocacy for player interests in the negotiations between the WNBPA and the league.
On the premiere night of “Unrivaled Action,” Collier appeared on the broadcast to discuss both the new season and the CBA talks. She touched on reports that suggested WNBA officials deemed the WNBPA’s proposals unsustainable from a business perspective. “From this side of Unrivaled, I understand what it means to operate a sustainable business. If we can’t identify a viable model, we need to have the right people involved,” she stated.
Collier also noted that Unrivaled has demonstrated the potential growth of investments in women’s sports. For instance, Unrivaled managed to provide higher average salaries than the WNBA’s first-year offerings. A particularly notable event from the summer was Paige Bueckers signing with Unrivaled, where she reportedly earned more in just 10 weeks in Miami than her entire rookie contract in the WNBA.
An update from ESPN reported on December 31 that significant gaps remain in negotiations between the WNBA and WNBPA. On January 2, it was stated that “All signs point to no agreement being reached by January 9th, which could lead to extensions, work stoppages, or a situation where things remain unchanged.” The players’ association has also passed a resolution authorizing a potential strike if required.
Collier expressed her belief that an agreement would eventually come together. “We firmly stand for what we believe. We won’t back down, and we can’t compromise that,” she asserted, adding that stepping back would undermine the efforts of those who paved the way.
Currently, many WNBA players have gathered in Miami for Unrivaled, making the city an offseason center for their activities. Last season, Unrivaled served as a hub for free agency discussions, and this year it seems to have transformed into a focal point for CBA negotiations as well.
With the disarray in the CBA negotiations posing a threat to the continuity of the 2026 WNBA season, Unrivaled may represent the best opportunity for fans to watch these players compete this year.
