WNBA Stars Raise 'Serious Concerns' Over Union Leader's CBA Negotiations

Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Plum voice frustration with lack of player involvement in talks with league

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Two of the WNBA's biggest stars, Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Plum, have written a letter to the players' union executive director Terri Jackson expressing 'serious concerns' about how she is handling the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The players feel they do not have an adequate seat at the table and are frustrated by the lack of progress as the March 10 deadline approaches, potentially risking a lockout and delayed start to the season.

Why it matters

The WNBA's collective bargaining agreement is a critical issue that impacts the league's players, teams, and the overall future of the sport. This public dispute between star players and the union leadership highlights the challenges in reaching a deal that satisfies all parties and ensures a smooth start to the upcoming season.

The details

In the three-page letter obtained by ESPN, Stewart and Plum, who are both members of the WNBPA executive committee, stated that players 'do not feel like we have an adequate seat at the table in these negotiations' and requested 'a changed dynamic between our PA administrators and the players.' They listed a number of information requests about the negotiations that they claim have not been fulfilled, arguing that without access to this data, the executive committee cannot properly represent the broader player membership.

  • The WNBA season is set to start on May 8, 2026.
  • The league has told players that March 10, 2026 is the target date for an agreement on a new CBA deal.

The players

Breanna Stewart

One of the WNBA's biggest stars and a member of the players' union executive committee.

Kelsey Plum

Another WNBA star and member of the players' union executive committee.

Terri Jackson

The executive director of the WNBPA, who is leading the CBA negotiations with the league.

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What they’re saying

“We are frustrated that we have not made more progress as we near the March 10 deadline, and we believe this is a result of a breakdown in communication between you and the Executive Committee and players more broadly.”

— Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Plum, WNBA Players (ESPN)

“When we and other players have attempted to express concerns about negotiations, we have been made to feel as though we are acting against the interests of the PA. Many other players across the league feel these same frustrations and have expressed them to us, but feel afraid or unable to speak out.”

— Breanna Stewart and Kelsey Plum, WNBA Players (ESPN)

What’s next

The WNBPA held a call with players on Tuesday to address the issues raised by Stewart and Plum. The league and union have until March 10 to reach a new CBA agreement before risking a lockout and delayed start to the 2026 season.

The takeaway

This dispute between star players and the union leadership underscores the challenges in negotiating a new CBA that satisfies all parties in the WNBA. The league and players' association must work to improve communication and transparency to ensure a smooth start to the upcoming season and continued growth of the women's professional basketball league.