“We’re out,” that was the message amplified by the WNBPA in their most recent post on Monday. The Collective Bargaining Agreement was put in place in 2020 and decided on the salary cap, season schedule, travel benefits, and more. It was an agreement between the league, the WNBA owners, and the WNBPA (the Labor Association of the Athletes). However, as the craze for the WNBA increased, many stars shared their wish to earn more and be a part of the growth.

Taking into notice the same, WNBPA had the option of opting out before November 1 this year. And they did exactly that on Monday. But before we take a closer look at the stars who openly supported WNBA’s decision, let us take a glance at what Opt-Out means.

Opt-Out: The end to a new beginning

The current CBA extended to the 2027 season. But with WNBPA opting out means that the WNBA will have to pull up a new contract aka the CBA and reach to consensus on it with the WNBA owners. The process of opting out or neglifying the agreement can happen when either the WNBA or the WNBPA decides to end it.

Due to their latest step, the CBA will remain effective till the 2025 season. And after the authorities will have to pull up a new contract. Previously, the CBA was set to expire in 2027. Taking note of the same, even the WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert came forward in favor of drawing a new CBA.  “With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBAPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come,” Engelbert stated.

Hence, it was natural for players to look for better amenities and salaries as the 2024 WNBA ended. If for any reason, the league cannot get into a new agreement with the WNBPA and the owners, then this could mean a work stoppage after the 2025 season. The same sentiments of unfair pay were echoed by WNBA players for quite some time, which ultimately led to this step.

Athletes want more, as apparent from recent administrative decisions and player statements

“Yes, I want to opt-out,” declared Breanna Stewart, Vice President of the WNBPA executive board, in a bold opening statement of a video posted by the players’ union. For some time, whispers had circulated about players’ dissatisfaction with the current agreement, and now it was official—they weren’t going to settle anymore.

Gabby Williams, a star of the Seattle Storm, didn’t mince her words either. “The WNBA, you know, if you want us to be here, you have to pay us more. It’s business, it’s how it works,” she firmly stated in the video. Her words hit hard, especially as they came in the midst of frustration toward the league’s handling of player compensation. She took direct aim at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who previously claimed that top WNBA players make around $700,000 annually. Williams, however, pointed out that this was far from the reality for most players, sparking even more support from her fellow W stars.

Nneka Ogwumike, President of the WNBPA, chimed in as well. “The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind,” she emphasized. Ogwumike went on to describe the decision to opt-out as more than just a financial move—it was a progressive step, a watershed moment for the league, and a call for transformational change.

With players officially opting out of the agreement, the WNBA now faces pressure to offer better salaries and perhaps even share a percentage of revenue from activities like jersey sales, a much-needed move that could redefine the league’s future. The ball is now in the WNBA’s court, and it’s time to see if the league will step up and meet its players’ demands.