Caitlin Clark speaks out as WNBA season faces real possibility of huge disruption
The Women's National Basketball Players Association has officially voted to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, potentially leading to a lockout in the WNBA after the end of the 2025 season
Caitlin Clark has become one of the most prominent names in the WNBA despite just concluding his rookie season (Image: Getty Images)
Indiana Fever sensation Caitlin Clark voiced her enthusiasm for the development and “opportunities” in the WNBA amid whispers of a potential lockout.
The New York Liberty’s electrifying overtime victory against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday night capped off the league’s most-watched season, showcasing its thrilling nature and leaving players eager to capitalise.
However, on Monday, the WNBA players union announced its decision to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement. This move came hot on the heels of Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese’s complaint that her player salary falls short of covering her expenses.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has chosen to withdraw from the existing CBA, with players seeking “a business model that reflects their true value, encompassing higher salaries, enhanced professional working conditions, expanded health benefits, and crucial investments needed for long-term growth.”
With the deadline to opt out of the current deal being Nov. 1, the union decided to pull out in an attempt to reach a new agreement within the next 12 months.
Caitlin Clark has become one of the most prominent names in the WNBA despite just concluding his rookie season (Image: Getty Images)
However, if the two sides fail to come to an agreement before the active CBA expires on Oct. 31, 2025, the WNBA may be forced into a lockout following next season.
A potential lockout would severely impact the WNBA’s momentum. Speaking after the conclusion of the 2024 WNBA Finals, Clark stressed the importance of maintaining fan attendance at live games.
Angel Reese recently called out the low WNBA pay (Image: Getty Images)
Discussing the surging excitement and support, Clark commented: “The amount of people that have showed up in the stadiums, from the viewership numbers to people really wanting to wear a WNBA player’s jersey or buy their merch, whatever it is, or have their shoe – just how its evolved in such a short period of time,” illustrating the opportunities blooming within the league. “It shows everyone there is real opportunities here and there has been opportunity here, so I think that’s what is so exciting.”
Expanding further on the growth of the sport, Clark added: “The more we can continue to expand that and continue to have games on national television and get people in seats because when they show up at a stadium, they’re always coming back – that’s usually how it works. They fall in love with a team or player, or maybe they go for one player then like another.”
Emphasising the crucial role of increasing visibility and fan attendance, Clark affirmed: “The more people can get out and watch the W or the college game or whatever it is, the better it’s going to be for the future of the game.”
In light of the impressive swell in fan interest this past year, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is now aiming to renegotiate terms due to considerable improvements in ratings, crowd figures, and overall enthusiasm. In the wake of this burgeoning momentum, sparked by stars like Clark and Reese, the WNBA recently signed a mammoth 11-year media rights contract with powerhouses Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBC, boasting an annual worth of a staggering $200 million.
