WNBA star Angel Reese has criticized the league’s recent proposal for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) as ‘disrespectful,’ signaling a growing division between the players and league officials. Her comments came during an interview at the 2024 WNBA All-Star weekend, where she expressed frustration with the terms presented by the league. Reese emphasized that the proposal was not reflective of the players’ needs and that the language used in the offer came across as dismissive. ‘It was an eye-opener for me. Like, hearing the things and hearing the language of things and not things that I was happy to hear. It was disrespectful the things that we were sent back,’ she told reporters, highlighting the players’ dissatisfaction with the terms of the CBA.
Reese is one of the more vocal players in the ongoing negotiations, and her remarks reflect the broader concerns among the league’s players, who seek better financial conditions for their careers. Several other players, including Sabrina Ionescu and Satou Sabally, have also criticized the current proposal, with Ionescu stating that the players are not willing to settle for ‘the minimum’ and Sabally calling the offer a ‘slap in the face.’ These sentiments underscore the growing tension between the league and its players, with many arguing that the current terms do not adequately reflect the sport’s increasing popularity and the financial potential it holds.
The WNBA’s Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has expressed optimism that a new agreement can be reached, stating that the recent meeting between the league and the players was ‘very constructive.’ She emphasized that the process involves ‘going back and forth’ and listening to the players, who she believes are also interested in the league’s perspective. However, the frustration among players is palpable, with many, including Reese, arguing that the current proposal does not address their immediate financial needs. Reese’s comments were particularly notable given her previous statements about financial struggles, including her admission that she could not afford to pay her bills with her current salary. In her first season with the Chicago Sky, she made under $75,000, and her 2025 earnings will be slightly less, raising concerns about the sustainability of her career in the league.
These issues are not isolated to individual players but reflect a broader debate within the WNBA about the league’s financial policies and the long-term viability of its players. The players’ union has opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement, which still covers the 2025 season, giving the league and players a year to negotiate a new agreement. The ongoing negotiations are seen as critical for the future of women’s basketball, with players like Reese advocating for better compensation that aligns with the sport’s growing popularity and revenue potential. The situation highlights the challenges faced by athletes in professional sports, where the balance between player compensation and league finances is a constant point of contention.
The WNBA’s position on the current proposal has drawn criticism from players like Reese, who argue that the league’s approach is not only disrespectful but also short-sighted. With the league’s viewership and attendance records broken in recent years due to the presence of stars like Caitlin Clark, the need for fair compensation is more pressing than ever. The players’ union has made it clear that they are not willing to settle for the minimum, and their demands reflect a desire for a future that is more financially secure for all players. As the negotiations continue, the outcome will have significant implications for the WNBA’s future, the players’ livelihoods, and the sport’s continued growth.