Paige Bueckers addressed the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations ahead of Monday's Unrivaled Basketball semifinals, telling reporters that talks have stalled between the league and WNBPA.
"At this point, it's not really a negotiation anymore," Bueckers said. "Like, both sides aren't moving. So I feel like we need to continue to have these conversations, continue to actually have change implemented for us to move on our stance."
The WNBA submitted its latest proposal ahead of the Unrivaled Basketball showcase in Brooklyn, with players appearing dissatisfied with the offer. Bueckers later emphasized that players want to avoid a work stoppage but need proper compensation.
"We as players, we don't want to strike. We want to have a season. I love playing basketball. That's all I want to do," the Dallas Wings guard continued. "But again, there are things that need to be handled, and we want to do it as professionals."
The league recently set a March 10th CBA deadline to keep the season on schedule., with teams looking complete free agency, trades, and the draft before the late April preseason tip-off. FIBA World Cup qualifiers start next week, adding pressure to the timeline. Nevertheless, the two sides remain far apart on revenue sharing.
The Wings face significant uncertainty heading into the season, with Dallas hiring a new head coach while also owning the No. 1 draft pick. However, the Wings have made zero offseason moves as negotiations continue.
In her remarks, Bueckers noted that she and Caitlin Clark are boosting league value, with the players requesting proper compensation for their contributions. A strike could seriously derail the entire 2026 season unless both sides reach a deal by March 10th.
