WNBPA says new WNBA CBA proposal 'not worth taking' as concerns emerge
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WNBPA says new WNBA CBA proposal 'not worth taking' as concerns emerge
Mark Giannotto, USA TODAY·USA TODAY Sports
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6 min read
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The deadline for the WNBA and its players' union to reach a new collective bargaining agreement is less than a week away, and the WNBPA remained steadfast on Wednesday, March 4 that the league's current proposal "is not worth taking."
The statement from the players union's executive committee comes in the wake ofan ESPN reportthat at least two WNBA stars recently expressed "serious concerns" about the players' own representation and their inability to reach a deal in these prolonged negotiations.
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WNBPA executive committee members Kelsey Plum andBreanna Stewart, in a three-page letter sent earlier this week to players' union executive director Terri Jackson, cited "a lack of adequate player involvement in the process" thus far and warned of the harm a potential work stoppage would do to the league's financial outlook.
The WNBPA executive committee, in which Plum and Stewart each currently serve in vice president roles,responded by once again publicly backing the negotiating teamof Jackson and WNBPA presidentNneka Ogwumike. The committee also emphasized the union's "nearly unanimous vote in December" to call a strike if necessary, affirmation provided by a recent player survey, and players' desire to play basketball in 2026.
Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks reacts after they beat the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on May 16, 2025, in San Francisco, California. Tonight is the Valkyries first home game in their inaugural season.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, A'Ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu of the United States celebrate Team USA winning the Gold Medal during the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Final match between USA and China at Sydney Superdome, on October 01, 2022, in Sydney, Australia.
(Kelly Defina, Getty Images)
Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) looks to drive past New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the second quarter during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
A'ja Wilson (L) #22 and Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces laugh onstage during the team's WNBA championship victory parade and rally at Toshiba Plaza on October 23, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the New York Liberty on October 18 in Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs finals to win the 2023 title.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum reacts against the Dallas Wings during the second half at College Park Center.
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)
United States guard Kelsey Plum (5) celebrates after defeating France in the women's gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum warms up before the game against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center.
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)
Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles arrives prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
Jul 10, 2022; Chicago, Ill, USA; WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert presents the WNBA All Star Game MVP Award to Team Wilson guard Kelsey Plum at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
(David Banks, David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
Kelsey Plum (5) celebrates Gold medal and Trophy after win over China in final at Sydney SuperDome.
(Yukihito Taguchi, USA TODAY Sports)
Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks poses with her jersey during a press conference introducing Plum to the team at Crypto.com Arena.
(Katelyn Mulcahy, Getty Images)
Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings speaks with Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks \d2h at College Park Center on August 15, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum talks to an official during the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Crypto.com Arena.
(Kiyoshi Mio, Imagn Images)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum during a 2025 preseason game against Golden State.
(Kyle Terada, Imagn Images)
Former Washington Huskies women’s basketball player Kelsey Plum eats popcorn with mascot Harry the Husky during her #10 jersey retirement ceremony during halftime between the Washington Huskies Purdue Boilermakers at Alaska Airlines Arena on January 18, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. At Washington (2013-17), Plum became the all-time NCAA scoring leader (3,527 points – stood until 2024) and broke the 33-year-old NCAA career free throw record (912).
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
Kelsey Plum reacts during her No. 10 jersey retirement ceremony during halftime at a Washington Huskies game.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
Kelsey Plum reacts during her No. 10 jersey retirement ceremony during halftime at a Washington Huskies game.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
February 15, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; NBA great Shaquille O'Neal (top) and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (bottom) during NBA All Star Saturday Night at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
Jul 26, 2022; Chicago, IL, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) warms up before the teams game against the Chicago Sky during the Commissioners Cup-Championships at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
(Matt Marton, Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 11, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) controls the ball in the second quarter during game one of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 20, 2022; Las, Vegas, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) dances on stage after the Las Vegas Aces championship parade on the Las Vegas Strip. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
Jul 15, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team Wilson guard Kelsey Plum (10) enters onto the stage during player introductions prior to the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
Sep 26, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) motions to the camera after being fouled by the Dallas Wings in the second half during game two of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
(Candice Ward, Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports)
Oct 15, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) recovers the basketball in the fourth quarter against the New York Liberty during game three of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
(Wendell Cruz, Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
Jul 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) reacts in the second half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Jul 18, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Las Vegas Aces player Kelsey Plum walks the red carpet during the WNBA All Star weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
July 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Team USA guard Kelsey Plum speaks to the press during WNBA All-Star Media Day at the Footprint Center.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; USA Women's National Team guard Kelsey Plum (5) during the WNBA All Star game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 4, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; United States guard Kelsey Plum (5) controls the ball in the second half against Germany in a women’s group C game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
(John David Mercer, John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) reacts during the second half of basketball game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces runs onto the court for Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round against the Seattle Storm.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
Jul 28, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; USA player Kelsey Plum (5) shoots a free throw in the semifinal game against France during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Aomi Urban Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports
(Andrew Nelles, Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports)
Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks attempts a shot in front of A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during the first half in the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on September 11, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum dribbles the ball against the New York Liberty during game one of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
A'ja Wilson #22, Jackie Young #0, Chelsea Gray #12, Kelsey Plum #10 and Alysha Clark #7 of the Las Vegas Aces look on as the Los Angeles Sparks shoot free throws after Plum was called for a flagrant one foul in the second quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 19, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sparks defeated the Aces 78-72.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
Kelsey Plum reacts during the game against BIH in first quarter at Sydney SuperDome.
(Yukihito Taguchi, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
A'ja Wilson #22 and Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces speak in a press conference after defeating the New York Liberty during Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 18, 2023, in New York City. The Aces defeated the Liberty 70-69.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
United States guard Kelsey Plum (5) celebrates with guard Sabrina Ionescu (6) and forward Kahleah Copper (7) after defeating France in the women's gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
OCT 1, 2022; Sydney, AUS; Kelsey Plum (5) carries a ball in second quarter of FIBA Women’s World Cup final against China at Sydney SuperDome. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2022; Las, Vegas, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) flexes on stage after the Las Vegas Aces championship parade on the Las Vegas Strip. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
Jul 28, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Gold medalists, from left, USA player Kelsey Plum (5), USA player Jacquelyn Young (8), USA player Stefanie Dolson (13), USA player Allisha Gray (15) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Aomi Urban Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports
(Andrew Nelles, Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports)
Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm handles the ball against Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces during the fourth quarter at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 15, 2021, in Everett, Washington.
(Abbie Parr, Getty Images)
Sep 10, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; United States guard Kelsey Plum (23) dribbles the ball against Japan during the third quarter of an international exhibition basketball game at the Charles E. Smith Center at George Washington University. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
(Brad Mills, Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)
Kelsey Plum #10 of the San Antonio Stars handles the ball during the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at Talking Stick Resort Arena on July 30, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Silver Stars 81-64.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) misses a shot as time expires during a women's semifinal against the Oregon State Beavers in the Pac-12 Conference tournament at KeyArena. Oregon State defeated Washington 57-55.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
Mar 5, 2016; Seattle , WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) is defended by Oregon State Beavers forward Ruth Hamblin (44) during a womens semifinal in the Pac-12 Conference tournament at KeyArena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
Kelsey Plum #10 of the Washington Huskies brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange during the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 3, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Kelsey Plum #10 of the Washington Huskies shoots against Julia Chandler #3 and Bria Day #55 of the Syracuse Orange in the first quarter during the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 3, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) dribbles the ball in front of Stanford Cardinal forward Mikaela Ruef (3), Stanford Cardinal forward Bonnie Samuelson (41) and forward Chiney Ogwumike (13) with Washington Huskies guard Mercedes Wetmore (1) during the first half at Maples Pavilion.
(Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
Kelsey Plum #10 of the West shoots a free throw during the 2013 McDonald's All American game at United Center on April 3, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois.
(Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)
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Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks reacts after they beat the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on May 16, 2025, in San Francisco, California. Tonight is the Valkyries first home game in their inaugural season.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks reacts after they beat the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center on May 16, 2025, in San Francisco, California. Tonight is the Valkyries first home game in their inaugural season.
(Ezra Shaw, Getty Images)
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Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, A'Ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu of the United States celebrate Team USA winning the Gold Medal during the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Final match between USA and China at Sydney Superdome, on October 01, 2022, in Sydney, Australia.
(Kelly Defina, Getty Images)
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Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) looks to drive past New York Liberty guard Sabrina Ionescu (20) in the second quarter during game two of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.
(Wendell Cruz, Imagn Images)
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A'ja Wilson (L) #22 and Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces laugh onstage during the team's WNBA championship victory parade and rally at Toshiba Plaza on October 23, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Aces defeated the New York Liberty on October 18 in Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs finals to win the 2023 title.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum reacts against the Dallas Wings during the second half at College Park Center.
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)
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United States guard Kelsey Plum (5) celebrates after defeating France in the women's gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports)
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Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum warms up before the game against the Dallas Wings at College Park Center.
(Kevin Jairaj, Imagn Images)
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Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles arrives prior to the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Jul 10, 2022; Chicago, Ill, USA; WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert presents the WNBA All Star Game MVP Award to Team Wilson guard Kelsey Plum at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
(David Banks, David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kelsey Plum (5) celebrates Gold medal and Trophy after win over China in final at Sydney SuperDome.
(Yukihito Taguchi, USA TODAY Sports)
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Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks poses with her jersey during a press conference introducing Plum to the team at Crypto.com Arena.
(Katelyn Mulcahy, Getty Images)
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Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings speaks with Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks \d2h at College Park Center on August 15, 2025, in Arlington, Texas.
(Stacy Revere, Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum talks to an official during the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Crypto.com Arena.
(Kiyoshi Mio, Imagn Images)
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Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum during a 2025 preseason game against Golden State.
(Kyle Terada, Imagn Images)
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Former Washington Huskies women’s basketball player Kelsey Plum eats popcorn with mascot Harry the Husky during her #10 jersey retirement ceremony during halftime between the Washington Huskies Purdue Boilermakers at Alaska Airlines Arena on January 18, 2025, in Seattle, Washington. At Washington (2013-17), Plum became the all-time NCAA scoring leader (3,527 points – stood until 2024) and broke the 33-year-old NCAA career free throw record (912).
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Kelsey Plum reacts during her No. 10 jersey retirement ceremony during halftime at a Washington Huskies game.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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Kelsey Plum reacts during her No. 10 jersey retirement ceremony during halftime at a Washington Huskies game.
(Steph Chambers, Getty Images)
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February 15, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; NBA great Shaquille O'Neal (top) and Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum (bottom) during NBA All Star Saturday Night at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
(Kyle Terada, Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)
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Jul 26, 2022; Chicago, IL, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) warms up before the teams game against the Chicago Sky during the Commissioners Cup-Championships at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
(Matt Marton, Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports)
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Sep 11, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) controls the ball in the second quarter during game one of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
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Sep 20, 2022; Las, Vegas, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) dances on stage after the Las Vegas Aces championship parade on the Las Vegas Strip. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
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Jul 15, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Team Wilson guard Kelsey Plum (10) enters onto the stage during player introductions prior to the 2023 WNBA All-Star Game at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
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Sep 26, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) motions to the camera after being fouled by the Dallas Wings in the second half during game two of the 2023 WNBA Playoffs at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports
(Candice Ward, Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports)
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Oct 15, 2023; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) recovers the basketball in the fourth quarter against the New York Liberty during game three of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
(Wendell Cruz, Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
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Jul 5, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) reacts in the second half against the LA Sparks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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Jul 18, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Las Vegas Aces player Kelsey Plum walks the red carpet during the WNBA All Star weekend at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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July 19, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Team USA guard Kelsey Plum speaks to the press during WNBA All-Star Media Day at the Footprint Center.
(Patrick Breen/The Republic, Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK)
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Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; USA Women's National Team guard Kelsey Plum (5) during the WNBA All Star game at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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Aug 4, 2024; Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France; United States guard Kelsey Plum (5) controls the ball in the second half against Germany in a women’s group C game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Pierre-Mauroy. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
(John David Mercer, John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports)
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Aug 25, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) reacts during the second half of basketball game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces runs onto the court for Game Two of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs first round against the Seattle Storm.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
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Jul 28, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; USA player Kelsey Plum (5) shoots a free throw in the semifinal game against France during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Aomi Urban Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports
(Andrew Nelles, Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kelsey Plum #10 of the Los Angeles Sparks attempts a shot in front of A'ja Wilson #22 of the Las Vegas Aces during the first half in the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena on September 11, 2025, in Los Angeles, California.
(Harry How, Getty Images)
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Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum dribbles the ball against the New York Liberty during game one of the 2024 WNBA Semi-finals at Barclays Center.
(Gregory Fisher, Imagn Images)
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A'ja Wilson #22, Jackie Young #0, Chelsea Gray #12, Kelsey Plum #10 and Alysha Clark #7 of the Las Vegas Aces look on as the Los Angeles Sparks shoot free throws after Plum was called for a flagrant one foul in the second quarter of their game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on August 19, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Sparks defeated the Aces 78-72.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
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Kelsey Plum reacts during the game against BIH in first quarter at Sydney SuperDome.
(Yukihito Taguchi, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
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A'ja Wilson #22 and Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces speak in a press conference after defeating the New York Liberty during Game Four of the 2023 WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 18, 2023, in New York City. The Aces defeated the Liberty 70-69.
(Sarah Stier, Getty Images)
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United States guard Kelsey Plum (5) celebrates with guard Sabrina Ionescu (6) and forward Kahleah Copper (7) after defeating France in the women's gold medal game during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Accor Arena.
(Kyle Terada, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
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OCT 1, 2022; Sydney, AUS; Kelsey Plum (5) carries a ball in second quarter of FIBA Women’s World Cup final against China at Sydney SuperDome. Mandatory Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2022; Las, Vegas, USA; Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum (10) flexes on stage after the Las Vegas Aces championship parade on the Las Vegas Strip. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports
(Lucas Peltier, Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports)
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Jul 28, 2021; Tokyo, Japan; Gold medalists, from left, USA player Kelsey Plum (5), USA player Jacquelyn Young (8), USA player Stefanie Dolson (13), USA player Allisha Gray (15) during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Aomi Urban Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports
(Andrew Nelles, Andrew Nelles-USA TODAY Sports)
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Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm handles the ball against Kelsey Plum #10 of the Las Vegas Aces during the fourth quarter at Angel of the Winds Arena on May 15, 2021, in Everett, Washington.
(Abbie Parr, Getty Images)
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Sep 10, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; United States guard Kelsey Plum (23) dribbles the ball against Japan during the third quarter of an international exhibition basketball game at the Charles E. Smith Center at George Washington University. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
(Brad Mills, Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kelsey Plum #10 of the San Antonio Stars handles the ball during the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at Talking Stick Resort Arena on July 30, 2017, in Phoenix, Arizona. The Mercury defeated the Silver Stars 81-64.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) misses a shot as time expires during a women's semifinal against the Oregon State Beavers in the Pac-12 Conference tournament at KeyArena. Oregon State defeated Washington 57-55.
(Kirby Lee, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
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Mar 5, 2016; Seattle , WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) is defended by Oregon State Beavers forward Ruth Hamblin (44) during a womens semifinal in the Pac-12 Conference tournament at KeyArena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
(Kirby Lee, Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports)
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Kelsey Plum #10 of the Washington Huskies brings the ball up court in the first quarter against the Syracuse Orange during the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 3, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Kelsey Plum #10 of the Washington Huskies shoots against Julia Chandler #3 and Bria Day #55 of the Syracuse Orange in the first quarter during the semifinals of the 2016 NCAA Women's Final Four Basketball Championship at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on April 3, 2016, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
(Andy Lyons, Getty Images)
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Washington Huskies guard Kelsey Plum (10) dribbles the ball in front of Stanford Cardinal forward Mikaela Ruef (3), Stanford Cardinal forward Bonnie Samuelson (41) and forward Chiney Ogwumike (13) with Washington Huskies guard Mercedes Wetmore (1) during the first half at Maples Pavilion.
(Kelley L Cox, USA TODAY Sports/Imagn Images)
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Kelsey Plum #10 of the West shoots a free throw during the 2013 McDonald's All American game at United Center on April 3, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois.
"In every CBA negotiation, the goal of the league and teams is to divide the players. These negotiations are no different,"the WNBPA executive committee statement read in part. "We remain united and focused on delivering a transformational CBA for all members of the Union, and are committed to negotiating for as long as it takes."
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The WNBA notified the WNBPA last month ofa March 10 deadlineto finish negotiations on a new CBA and still avoid a delay to the season. The 2026 regular season is scheduled to begin on May 8. The league also needs to hold a WNBA draft, conduct free agency with (likely) a new salary cap system, and conduct an expansion draft for its two new teams, the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, before the start of its 30th season.
The league offered to make first- and second-team All-WNBA players on rookie contracts eligible to sign a maximum contract in their fourth year. Those players would not be eligible for a core designation following that extension. A player on a rookie scale contract that earns MVP could similarly be eligible for a supermax deal.
The WNBA's latest offer also increased the Year 1 salary cap to $5.75 million, up from $1.5 million in 2025. Based on conservative league projections, the salary cap would grow to roughly $8.5 million by 2031 in the final year of this proposed CBA.
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The league and WNBPA last met virtually on Feb. 23. On the call were more than 50 WNBA players, including the entire WNBPA executive committee, along with league staff, the labor relations committee and owners as CBA negotiations continue. Revenue sharing, and specifically what percentage of the league's revenues will filter to the players moving forward, remains a key sticking point.
Plum previously called the WNBA's latest proposal a "significant win" for the players, despite some additional issues to negotiate and resolve, and then followed up with the letter with Stewart.
"We have not been meaningfully engaged," they wrote, since the WNBA players elected to opt out of their pre-existing CBA and begin negotiations in October 2024.
The WNBPA's latest response attempted to close those fissures and made clear this labor staredown is not yet over.
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"Despite our differences and tough moments, we must make crystal clear that we are focused, we are resolute, and we are together," the WNBPA executive committee said. "We want to play basketball in 2026. We want to be in front of our fans playing the game that we love. We will not stop fighting. There is no WNBA without the players."
When is the WNBA CBA deadline?
The WNBA said a term sheet for a new CBA must be completed by March 10, to avoid a delay in the start of the 2026 season. Opening day is scheduled for May 8.
WNBA recent collective bargaining negotiations
The league and WNBPA last met virtually on Feb. 23. On the call were more than 50 WNBA players, including the entire WNBPA executive committee, along with league staff, the labor relations committee and owners as CBA negotiations continue.
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The WNBPA held a separate virtual meeting on Feb. 24 to discuss the current CBA negotiations and how to proceed. The call ended with the majority of player leadership reaffirming their alignment with a December vote to authorize a strike if necessary.
It's worth noting that even if an agreement is reached by the March 10 deadline, it could take several weeks to ratify the deal. Additionally, the expansion drafts for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo need to be held along with free agency and the 2026 WNBA Draft before the season can start.
What are the key issues between WNBA players and owners?
Revenue sharing and the salary cap remain the top sticking points. Here is where the two sides stand:
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Revenue sharing: The WNBPA requested 25% of gross revenue in the first year, increasing over the life of the agreement to an average of roughly 26%. The WNBA is currently offering more than 70% of league and team net revenue.
The union also proposed a salary cap of less than $9.5 million. The WNBA is proposing a salary cap of $5.75 million per year, rising with league revenues it will grow to roughly $8.5 million by 2031.
Will WNBA players go on strike?
Players voted in December 2025 to authorize the Women's National Basketball Players Association's Executive Committee to "call a strike when necessary,"
"The players have spoken," the WNBPA said in a statement obtained by USA TODAY Sports. "Through a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized the WNBPA's Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary. The players' decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams."
The WNBPA said the strike authorization vote resulted in 98% yes votes with 93% participation among players.
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Has WNBA ever had a lockout?
Despite previously tense rounds of collective bargaining between the owners and players' union, the league has never been forced to cancel games due to a labor dispute. However, the 2003 WNBA draft and preseason were delayed during negotiations.
