Leaked letter ignites tougher CBA talks. Stewart details how privacy concerns reshaped player negotiations for a better deal.
With the WNBA heading nowhere, while the CBA keeps getting delayed, Breanna Stewart is not playing around with a potential strike.
The New York Liberty star recently addressed the controversy surrounding a leaked letter she co-authored with Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum, explaining that the situation ultimately pushed the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) into more direct and difficult discussions as negotiations over the next collective bargaining agreement continue.
Speaking during Team USA media availability in Miami, Stewart clarified that the three-page letter sent to WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson was never intended for public release.
“That letter was supposed to be private,” Stewart said. “It was unfortunate that it became public knowledge. I’m sure the media loved it, but I didn’t love it as much.”
Stewart and Plum, both vice presidents of the WNBPA executive committee, wrote the letter to express concerns about communication during negotiations with the WNBA. The document reportedly highlighted worries about limited player involvement in the process and raised questions about the potential impact of a work stoppage on the league’s financial outlook.
Despite the attention the leak generated, Stewart emphasized that the intent behind the message was constructive.
“Plum and I had some concerns that we wanted to address,” Stewart explained. “It was about making a path forward to really have the best deal possible.”
Following the leak, the WNBPA executive committee quickly regrouped. Stewart revealed that the committee held a meeting Tuesday night, which she described as a more intense discussion aimed at refocusing the group’s strategy during negotiations.
“We had a little bit of a tougher call Tuesday night between the executive committee,” Stewart said. “Then Thursday when we reconvened again, it just seemed a lot more productive.”
Stewart added that she continues to fully support Jackson’s leadership as the union navigates one of the most significant negotiations in league history.
“Terri is our executive director,” Stewart said. “We know that she’s leading us in the best way possible. While there might be some differences of opinions or questions being asked, it’s all in good faith knowing we want to do what’s right for all the players.”
The timing of the controversy comes as pressure builds around the league’s proposed March 10 target date for reaching a new agreement. The WNBA has indicated that missing that deadline could jeopardize preparations for the 2026 season, which is currently scheduled to begin May 8.
However, a central issue in the negotiations remains revenue sharing and the percentage of league income that players will receive in the new agreement. The league’s latest proposal includes a starting salary cap of $5.75 million in the first year of the deal, a major jump from the $1.5 million cap in 2025, with projections that it could grow to approximately $8.5 million by 2031.
However, union leadership has already indicated that the current proposal is insufficient.
While negotiations continue, Stewart acknowledged that the uncertainty surrounding the league’s future has also complicated players’ off-season plans and training schedules.
“We don’t know when the start day is happening,” Stewart said. “That makes things a little bit more complicated as far as training.”
Despite the tension surrounding talks, Stewart stressed that players remain united in their goal: reaching a transformative deal that benefits the entire league.
“Sometimes tough conversations need to happen,” Stewart said. “At the end of the day, we’re all trying to make sure we get the best deal possible for every player.”