WNBA Players' Union and Owners Clash Over Investment Levels

Fever guard Sophie Cunningham reveals split among WNBA owners as CBA talks stall

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The WNBA is facing a potential lockout as CBA negotiations between the league and players' union have stalled. Fever guard Sophie Cunningham revealed a divide among WNBA owners, with some heavily investing in their teams while others do the "bare minimum." Cunningham called for owners unwilling to invest to sell their teams to those who want to "be a part of something great."

Why it matters

The lack of alignment among WNBA owners could hamper the league's ability to reach a new CBA and avoid a potential work stoppage. Player development, team facilities, and overall league competitiveness are at stake if some owners refuse to invest in their franchises.

The details

According to Cunningham, WNBA owners are split, with "half the league" eager to "pour in and give," while the other half "just don't" and do the "bare minimum." She cited teams like Indiana, New York, Seattle, Phoenix, and San Francisco's new Valkyries franchise as examples of owners who "truly take care" of their players, while calling out other unnamed owners for their lack of investment.

  • The WNBA recently sent a new CBA proposal to the players' union after nearly a month of stalled negotiations.
  • The league needs to perform an expansion draft, free agency period, and 2026 WNBA Draft before the 2026 season can begin.

The players

Sophie Cunningham

A guard for the Indiana Fever who discussed the divide among WNBA owners on her podcast.

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What they’re saying

“Half our league as owners want to pour in and give, and like the other half just don't. It was like New York, Seattle, Phoenix, Indiana. Indiana is building one of the best facilities in the entire world in 2027. Practice facilities.”

— Sophie Cunningham, Fever Guard (Show Me Something Podcast)

“Indiana takes care of you. They truly take care of you from top to bottom. New York does the same thing, Phoenix, Seattle, I think the Valkyries in San Fran do a great job. I think Toronto is going to do a great job, but like it just blows my mind that these other owners are doing the most bare minimum. And it's like, sell your team and let other people who want to be a part of something great, put their money into it.”

— Sophie Cunningham, Fever Guard (Show Me Something Podcast)

What’s next

The WNBA and players' union need to reach a new CBA agreement before the 2026 season can begin. If negotiations continue to stall, the league could face its first-ever lockout.

The takeaway

The divide among WNBA owners over investment levels threatens the league's long-term competitiveness and ability to retain top talent. Owners unwilling to properly fund their franchises may need to step aside to allow new ownership groups more committed to the WNBA's growth and success.