WNBA CBA Negotiations Heat Up: Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington Threaten to Sit Out Over Unmet Demands

The WNBA has experienced some of the most significant growth in its history over the past few years, with the league’s viewership and popularity hitting new heights. However, as the 2025 season approaches, the league’s ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations are set to become a defining moment for the future of women’s professional basketball in America. With the league’s top players at the center of these discussions, the stakes have never been higher, and some are even threatening to sit out games if the WNBA does not meet their demands.

Angel Reese, a rising star for the Chicago Sky, and DiJonai Carrington of the Dallas Wings, have both voiced their readiness to take a stand if their terms aren’t met. During a recent episode of Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, the two players discussed the growing tension surrounding the upcoming CBA negotiations, hinting that a strike could be a real possibility if the league doesn’t make significant changes.

The Growing Call for Fairer Pay and Improved Benefits

For years, the WNBA has been struggling with low salaries for its players, even at the highest levels. While the league has experienced a surge in popularity in recent seasons, with the ratings reaching new peaks, many players still face financial difficulties due to the league’s comparatively low pay. Reese, for example, once openly stated that her WNBA salary didn’t even cover one of her bills. This reality has led many of the league’s stars to supplement their income through sponsorships and appearances in other leagues, a pattern that has been unsustainable for the long-term health of the sport.

Reese, who is coming off a star-making season with the Chicago Sky, and Carrington, the 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player, have both become prominent voices in this battle for fairer compensation. With the upcoming CBA negotiations, players like Reese and Carrington are determined to ensure that their growing success on the court is reflected in their financial compensation and benefits. The WNBA’s rapid rise in popularity, especially after Caitlin Clark entered the league, has only intensified these demands.

The final game of the 2024 WNBA Finals, which featured no appearances from Clark, saw a remarkable 142% increase in ratings over the equivalent game the previous year. This kind of growth has the potential to alter the financial landscape of the league, and players are now asking for a larger piece of the pie.

A Rising Star’s Fight for Change: Angel Reese

Angel Reese’s rise in the WNBA has been meteoric. After an outstanding college career and joining the Sky as one of the top draft picks, Reese quickly established herself as one of the league’s most exciting and marketable players. Her on-court performances, combined with her social media presence and personality, have made her one of the biggest stars in women’s basketball.

Yet despite her star power, Reese has been outspoken about the financial challenges faced by WNBA players. She has frequently highlighted the stark contrast between the pay and treatment that female athletes receive compared to their male counterparts in other leagues, particularly the NBA. Reese’s comments about not even being able to pay one of her bills with her WNBA salary speak volumes about the financial struggles of players, especially given the growing exposure and popularity of the league.

Now, with the league’s rapid growth, Reese and others are pushing for more significant pay increases, better benefits, and improved working conditions. With the upcoming CBA negotiations just around the corner, Reese’s role in these discussions will be pivotal, as she is quickly becoming a leading voice for the future of women’s professional basketball.

DiJonai Carrington’s Role in the Fight for Fair Pay

While Reese has been a prominent figure in the WNBA, DiJonai Carrington has also made her mark, earning the title of 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player after a standout season with the Connecticut Sun. In a surprising move earlier this year, Carrington was traded to the Dallas Wings, adding another layer of intrigue to her career trajectory.

Carrington, like Reese, is using her platform to demand better pay and benefits for female athletes in the WNBA. During the same podcast episode with Reese, Carrington alluded to the possibility of sitting out games if the players’ demands were not met. “I’ve got to get in the meetings because I’m hearing like, ‘If y’all don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,’” Carrington said, reflecting the frustration many players feel as the 2025 season draws closer.

Carrington’s candid comments echo the sentiment of many WNBA players who feel they’ve been undervalued by the league despite their tremendous on-court contributions. The players’ willingness to consider sitting out games underscores the seriousness of their demands and the growing sense of urgency around securing a fair deal.

The Future of WNBA Salaries: An Impending Crossroads

The looming CBA negotiations have become more than just a matter of pay—they are a reflection of how far the WNBA has come and where it still needs to go. The league’s increasing popularity and media visibility have raised expectations for fair compensation and benefits for players, particularly as the league’s viewership continues to grow.

The 2024 WNBA Finals provided a glimpse into how much interest there is in women’s basketball. The remarkable 142% increase in ratings for the finals reflects the growing demand for the sport, and with players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and DiJonai Carrington leading the charge, the WNBA is poised for even greater success in the years ahead.

The upcoming CBA negotiations, set to take place over the next year, are crucial for shaping the future of the league. If the players are successful in securing better pay, benefits, and conditions, it could have a profound effect on the league’s trajectory, potentially transforming it into one of the most profitable and respected women’s professional sports leagues in the world.

A Possible Strike: Will Players Sit Out Games?

While a strike is always a last resort, the fact that players like Reese and Carrington are openly discussing the possibility is a clear sign that the current situation is untenable for many in the league. A work stoppage could have severe consequences for the league, but it also sends a powerful message about the need for equity and respect for women athletes.

The players’ determination to fight for their rights is both inspiring and necessary. If the WNBA wants to continue its growth and become a sustainable, thriving league, it must prioritize its players’ well-being and financial security. Without fair pay and treatment, the league’s success could be short-lived.

The Road Ahead: A New Era for the WNBA

As we approach the 2025 season, all eyes will be on the WNBA and its players as they negotiate for better pay and conditions. With rising stars like Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington leading the charge, the fight for fair compensation will continue to gain momentum. The future of women’s basketball is bright, but the road to a truly equal playing field requires hard work, determination, and unity among the players.

The WNBA’s success depends not just on the talent of its players, but on how the league supports them. As the CBA negotiations unfold, the players’ voices will be louder than ever. The outcome will shape the future of the league for years to come, and for the players, it’s a fight worth having.