Angel Reese Speaks Out on WNBA CBA Talks: 'Negotiation Is Not Easy'

The Chicago Sky forward addresses the ongoing labor standoff as the WNBA faces a critical deadline.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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With just three days until the WNBA's March 10 deadline to reach a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese spoke out about the ongoing negotiations. Reese emphasized that the players want to play, but they won't compromise on what they believe they're worth, drawing from her own experience negotiating endorsement deals. She acknowledged the back-and-forth nature of bargaining and said the players remain committed to reaching an agreement that reflects their values.

Why it matters

The CBA talks have become a high-stakes situation for the WNBA, with the league warning that the 2026 season schedule could be affected if a deal is not reached by the March 10 deadline. Revenue sharing remains the primary obstacle, with the players pushing for a significantly larger share of league revenue compared to the current economic model.

The details

Reese said that 'everybody wants to play, but all of us want to play at what we should be compensated for.' She compared the CBA negotiations to her own experience negotiating endorsement deals, noting that 'negotiation is not easy' and involves 'going back and forth until you come to a common ground.' The WNBPA has pushed for roughly 25-26% of gross league revenue, while the league's counterproposal centers on distributing 50% of net revenue, which amounts to less than 15% of gross revenue. The union's survey found that 84% of players would not accept the WNBA's current offer.

  • The WNBA's March 10 deadline to reach a new CBA is just 72 hours away.
  • The WNBPA surveyed its members this week on the league's latest proposal.

The players

Angel Reese

A 23-year-old forward for the Chicago Sky who has been outspoken about the CBA negotiations and the need for fair compensation for WNBA players.

Breanna Stewart

A member of the WNBPA executive committee who co-signed a letter to the union's executive director expressing frustration with communication during the CBA talks.

Kelsey Plum

A member of the WNBPA executive committee who co-signed the letter to the union's executive director along with Breanna Stewart.

Terri Carmichael Jackson

The executive director of the WNBPA who is leading the union's negotiations with the WNBA.

Kahleah Copper

A WNBA player who expressed a desire for both sides to find an agreement quickly so the season can happen.

Chelsea Gray

A WNBA player who emphasized the players' commitment to fair compensation.

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What they’re saying

“Everybody wants to play, but all of us want to play at what we should be compensated for. So we're just going to continue to negotiate. Negotiation is not easy. I talk to my team all the time — when I negotiate deals, you go back and forth until you come to a common ground of what we both can go for.”

— Angel Reese, Chicago Sky forward (profootballnetwork.com)

“We do all want to play basketball, but at the same time, we do want to be compensated for what we deserve.”

— Angel Reese, Chicago Sky forward (profootballnetwork.com)

“I'm just going to continue to be a voice and do whatever I can as a young voice that knows that I do have a platform in this.”

— Angel Reese, Chicago Sky forward (profootballnetwork.com)

“The letter was never meant to go public and that the executive committee has since held calls to address concerns. She said the letter was intended to get the entire executive committee back on track to pursue the best possible deal.”

— Breanna Stewart (profootballnetwork.com)

“I know executive director Jackson is leading the union in the best way possible and emphasized they want to do what's right for all players.”

— Breanna Stewart (profootballnetwork.com)

What’s next

The WNBA has warned that the 2026 season schedule could be affected if a CBA deal is not reached by the March 10 deadline. The players have authorized the union's executive committee to call a strike, with 98% voting in favor. The two sides will continue negotiating in the coming days to try to reach an agreement before the deadline.

The takeaway

The CBA negotiations between the WNBA and its players have become a high-stakes situation, with both sides unwilling to compromise on their demands. Angel Reese's willingness to speak out and share her perspective on the negotiations highlights the players' commitment to fair compensation and their determination to reach a deal that reflects their value. The outcome of these talks will have significant implications for the future of the WNBA and its players.