Kelsey Plum dodges WNBA CBA questions, emphasizing USA Basketball focus amid intensifying league negotiations and player union discussions.
As negotiations between the WNBA and the WNBPA continue to intensify, Los Angeles Sparks star Kelsey Plum made it clear she had no intention of discussing Sue Bird’s role in the ongoing talks.
During media availability at Team USA’s Women’s World Cup qualifying training camp in Miami, Plum was asked about Bird’s potential involvement in the collective bargaining agreement negotiations. Instead of addressing the question directly, the All-Star guard quickly redirected the conversation.
“It’s a great question,” Plum said. “I am here focused on USA Basketball, so if you want to ask me, specifically, ask me about the team or upcoming competition. I look really forward to answering any questions you have about USA Basketball.”
Plum’s response effectively shut down further discussion about the negotiations, which have become one of the most pressing issues surrounding the league ahead of the 2026 season.
The WNBA and the WNBPA are currently racing against a March 10 deadline to finalize a new collective bargaining agreement that would allow the league to stay on schedule for its 30th season.
However, if a deal is not reached soon, preparations for the season, which is scheduled to tip off on May 8, could be delayed.
The tension surrounding negotiations has increased in recent days, particularly after the WNBPA rejected the league’s latest proposal, calling it “not worth taking.” The union’s primary demand remains a greater share of league revenue, a point that continues to stall progress between both sides.
At the same time, the process has been complicated by internal scrutiny within the players’ association. Earlier this week, Plum and New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart sent a three-page letter to WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson raising concerns about communication and player involvement in the negotiations. The letter later became public, fueling speculation about divisions within the union.
Despite the controversy, the WNBPA executive committee released a statement reaffirming that players remain united in their push for what they describe as a transformational deal.
Meanwhile, curiosity around Sue Bird’s role has grown in recent weeks. The retired WNBA legend, who now represents the Seattle Storm ownership group, has reportedly been involved in discussions surrounding the negotiations. Bird’s presence at the same Miami training camp only added to the media’s interest in her influence behind the scenes.
Still, Plum made it clear that she preferred to keep the focus on basketball rather than labor negotiations.
The timing of the situation adds even more urgency to the league’s offseason calendar. Before the season can begin, the WNBA must complete several key events, including the collegiate draft, free agency, and an expansion draft for the incoming franchises in Toronto and Portland.
With so many milestones approaching and negotiations still unresolved, uncertainty continues to loom over the league’s immediate future.
For now, though, Plum and several other stars participating in Team USA camp appear focused on the task at hand — preparing for international competition — while the fate of the league’s next CBA continues to unfold behind the scenes.