Introduction
Breanna Stewart didn’t hold back.
Coming off a packed WNBA All-Star Weekend, Stewart — one of the league’s most respected veterans — revealed how badly the latest WNBA CBA talks went. And her comments didn’t sugarcoat anything.
“It was a wasted opportunity,” she said.
And from the looks of it, she’s right.
Instead of productive negotiations, the players’ union meeting was flooded with 40+ players, wasted with 45 minutes of introductions, and left little room for actual progress. So, what went wrong? And what does this mean for the future of the WNBA?
Let’s break it all down.
What Happened During the CBA Meeting?
40 Players in One Room – Chaos or Unity?
The idea was to bring as many players together as possible, but instead of unity, it created confusion and conflict. Everyone had a voice — but no one had structure.
45 Minutes of Intros — Seriously?
Yes, you read that right. According to multiple sources, 45 minutes were wasted on introductions. For a negotiation with millions on the line, that’s not just inefficient — it’s embarrassing.
Breanna Stewart’s Brutally Honest Take
“It Was a Wasted Opportunity”
In her post-meeting remarks, Stewart didn’t mince words:
“We could have gotten into a deeper dive of everything, but it was a lot of fluff… and that sucks.”
Why This Might Be the Only Chance for a Full Player Gathering
With players soon returning to their teams across the WNBA, overseas, and other leagues, this may have been the only shot to have all major voices in the same room.
The Core Issue — Too Many Voices, Not Enough Structure
When Everyone Talks, Nothing Gets Done
Everyone wants a say — but when 40 players try to debate complex financial and legal topics, the result is chaos.
Why Executive Representation Matters
Unions work best when a small, trusted group negotiates on behalf of the whole. That’s why elected executive boards exist.
Read more about union representation in pro sports: NBPA Collective Bargaining 101
Courtney Williams and the Fallout
“Stop Speaking for Everyone”
Courtney Williams publicly voiced her frustration, claiming some players were speaking on behalf of others without consent — and the meeting spiraled from there.
Are Players Divided on CBA Strategy?
There’s growing concern that not all WNBA players agree on key issues, and this lack of unity could hurt the league at the bargaining table.
Why the WNBA Needs CBA Progress Fast
A Lockout Would Devastate the Players, Not the Owners
Let’s be honest: if the season stops, the billionaires stay rich — the players don’t get paid.
Fans Could Be the Biggest Losers
The WNBA is finally growing its audience. A lockout would damage momentum and alienate new fans just as excitement is peaking.
The WNBA’s Alleged Goals
Getting Rid of Unrivaled and Overseas Play?
Gabby Williams revealed that the WNBA may want to eliminate players competing in alternative leagues, including Athletes Unlimited and Unrivaled.
Players Push Back on Control and Restrictions
The players want freedom. For many, playing overseas means financial survival — especially for those not on max contracts.
Is the WNBA Undermining Its Own Players?
Christine Brennan’s Report on League Execs’ Attitudes
Journalist Christine Brennan exposed how some execs allegedly believe that WNBA players “don’t understand business”, undermining their role in negotiations.
“They Think Players Don’t Understand Business”
That attitude is exactly what players like Stewart are fighting against — and it’s making progress nearly impossible.
Stewie, Nneka, and Nisa: Trusted Voices in the Room
Who Should Actually Be Negotiating?
Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, and Nisa Kaliyard are seasoned, respected, and experienced. Many believe these should be the primary negotiators, not a crowd of 40.
The Players Who Truly Know the Business Side
These women are multi-millionaires, leaders, and veterans — and they know the league inside and out.
The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake?
More Than Just Salaries — It’s About Player Freedom
This CBA isn’t just about money. It’s about who controls players’ futures — and whether they can pursue income outside the WNBA.
Why Players Need Leverage Like Unrivaled
Without Unrivaled, Athletes Unlimited, or overseas leagues, the WNBA holds all the power. That’s dangerous for the players.
Should Players Be Allowed to Play Overseas?
The Risk of Losing Supplemental Income
Most WNBA players don’t earn six-figure salaries — and many rely on overseas seasons to make a living.
WNBA’s Power Move or Financial Safeguard?
Is the league trying to protect players or trying to control them? That’s the real debate.
Why This Meeting Backfired Spectacularly
Optics, Messaging, and Missed Opportunities
From intro bloat to in-fighting, this was supposed to be a show of unity — instead, it made the league and its players look unprepared and divided.
Will Future Meetings Be More Controlled?
They need to be. A focused, professional negotiation team is the only way forward.
What Needs to Happen Next
Cut the Chaos, Get Focused
The next round of talks must be lean, professional, and strategic. No more fluff. No more open mic night.
Real Negotiators. Real Plans. Real Solutions.
The players deserve a CBA that protects them — but they need the right voices fighting for it.
Final Thoughts
Breanna Stewart said what everyone was thinking: the CBA meeting was a waste of time. But her honesty might be the spark that leads to real change.
If the WNBA truly wants to evolve, it has to take these talks seriously — and that starts with listening to the right people.
FAQs
1. What did Breanna Stewart say about the CBA talks?
She called them a “wasted opportunity,” expressing frustration over lack of progress and unproductive discussions.
2. Why were so many players involved in the meeting?
The goal was to present a united front, but having 40+ players led to disorganization and conflicting opinions.
3. What is the WNBA’s issue with overseas leagues?
The league allegedly wants to restrict players from participating in leagues like Unrivaled and overseas, sparking backlash.
4. Could a lockout actually happen?
It’s possible, but unlikely. Players and owners both know a lockout would hurt everyone — especially the athletes.
5. What needs to change in future CBA discussions?
More structure, fewer participants, and letting experienced player reps take the lead on behalf of the union.
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