Introduction
The WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) talks just hit a boiling point — and Gabby Williams just dropped a bombshell. In a recent interview, she revealed that the WNBA is attempting to phase out rival leagues like Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited (AU), even though those leagues are paying players more.
Fans are stunned, players are frustrated, and this could spell serious trouble for the league’s future.
What Gabby Williams Actually Said
During All-Star weekend, Gabby Williams — an Olympic gold medalist and current Seattle Storm star — didn’t hold back. In her words:
“It’s very clear now that they want to push Unrivaled out, push AU out… without paying us more than those leagues pay us.”
You can watch the full clip here on YouTube.
The Battle Behind the CBA
What Is the CBA and Why It Matters
The Collective Bargaining Agreement is the legal contract between players and the WNBA. It determines pay, benefits, working conditions, and league rules. The current agreement is being re-evaluated — and things aren’t going smoothly.
WNBA vs. Players: A Growing Divide
This new CBA negotiation is exposing a major rift. On one side, the league wants control and exclusivity. On the other, players want freedom to play elsewhere and better compensation.
Why Unrivaled and AU Matter to Players
Alternative Leagues Offer More Pay and Flexibility
Leagues like Unrivaled and AU offer short seasons with better pay, less travel, and more player empowerment. For many players, they’re essential offseason income.
WNBA Salaries Can’t Compete Yet
Even WNBA superstars like Gabby Williams or Emma Meesseman still make more money overseas — even on a WNBA supermax contract.
What Makes Unrivaled So Threatening to the WNBA?
Higher Pay for Less Time
Unrivaled allows players to earn more in a few months than a full WNBA season — and without the grueling travel and double-headers.
Player Control and Ownership
It’s not just about the money. Unrivaled gives players a stake in the league, from branding to operations. That’s unheard of in the WNBA model.
Learn more about the WNBA’s structure on WNBA.com
The Overseas Factor
Europe Still Pays the Most
Many top WNBA players earn millions playing in Europe or Asia, dwarfing their WNBA salaries. Some players, like Gabby Williams, choose overseas play even over a max WNBA deal.
Supermax Players Still Earning More Abroad
Williams admitted she earns more in Europe even while being on a max WNBA contract. That’s a red flag the league can’t ignore.
Is The WNBA Trying to Control Too Much?
Restrictive New Rules & Travel Limits
The league has begun penalizing players for late arrivals or offseason commitments. This is seen by many as an attempt to force full-year loyalty — without fair compensation.
The Push for Exclusivity Without Compensation
It’s one thing to ask for loyalty — it’s another to demand it without matching what rival leagues pay.
Can the League Afford to Shut Out Other Opportunities?
What Happens If Players Say No?
If the WNBA won’t let players compete elsewhere, some might walk away entirely. And with global basketball options, they can afford to.
Will Stars Walk Away From the WNBA?
Possibly. Meesseman already hasn’t played a full WNBA season in years. If the money and respect aren’t there, others might follow.
Players Aren’t Backing Down
Gabby Williams and Others Taking a Stand
Gabby’s not alone. Other stars — like Breanna Stewart, Kelsey Plum, and Nneka Ogwumike — are all pushing back against unfair practices.
“We’re Not Going to Settle for Less”
The message is clear: WNBA players know their worth, and they’re not afraid to say it anymore.
The Reality of WNBA Salaries
Minimum Contract = $60K?
For many players, that’s the base salary. In pro sports, that’s barely livable when you factor in taxes, training, travel, and health costs.
Cost of Being a Pro Athlete in 2025
From private trainers to off-season workouts and medical care — it costs thousands just to stay in shape, making $60K unsustainable long-term.
International Comparisons
Pros in Europe Sometimes Paid More
Shockingly, European leagues pay better, even with smaller fan bases. How? Government subsidies, team sponsorships, and year-round leagues.
Massive Crowds in the U.S., Modest Paychecks
Meanwhile, some WNBA games draw 18,000 fans, yet players still earn less than European league counterparts who play in front of a few hundred.
What the WNBA Needs to Do Next
Increase Salaries or Share More Revenue
If the league wants exclusivity, they need to pay for it. That means raising base salaries and providing year-round support.
Create Incentives, Not Ultimatums
Instead of banning other leagues, create incentives for players to stay. Flexibility, bonuses, and offseason training stipends could go a long way.
Kathy Engelbert’s Public Support vs. Private Policy
Why Fans Feel Misled About Unrivaled
Kathy Engelbert was seen supporting Unrivaled in public, but now the league’s policy seems to undermine it. The mixed messaging is creating distrust.
Mixed Messaging from the League
You can’t praise a league one day and try to kill it the next — players are noticing the contradiction.
Will This End in a Lockout?
The Risk is Real If Players Don’t Compromise
If talks stall, a lockout could happen — which would devastate the league and alienate fans.
But Who Would Suffer Most?
Answer: The players and fans, not the team owners or league execs. That’s why compromise is essential.
Conclusion
Gabby Williams just said out loud what many players have been whispering for months: the WNBA wants to eliminate competing leagues — but without matching their pay. That’s not just unfair. It’s unrealistic.
Players aren’t backing down. They know their value. And if the WNBA wants to keep its brightest stars on the court, it needs to start acting like it.
FAQs
1. What is Unrivaled and why does it matter?
Unrivaled is a player-led basketball league offering better pay and flexibility during the WNBA offseason.
2. Is Gabby Williams leaving the WNBA?
Not yet, but she has openly admitted she earns more overseas, and players are weighing their options.
3. How much do WNBA players earn overseas?
Top stars can earn $400K to over $1 million per season playing in Europe or Asia.
4. Could there really be a lockout?
Yes, if CBA talks break down and no agreement is reached, a lockout is a real possibility.
5. What does the WNBA say about all of this?
Publicly, they support player growth — but actions like trying to limit rival leagues suggest otherwise.
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External Link: Learn more at the official WNBA website
