WNBA strike looms as negotiations stall. Plum warns a work stoppage devastates players and league, urging a swift resolution before the March 10 deadline.
The WNBA has been working up close with its players to reach an agreement, but there has not been much movement whatsoever.
Recently, Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum made it clear that while negotiations remain tense between the WNBA and the players’ union, a work stoppage would benefit no one.
Plum, who serves as vice president of the WNBPA, said the players want to be on the court this season and described a potential strike as “the worst thing for both sides.” With a league-imposed March 10 deadline looming, the possibility of disruption to the 2026 season is no longer theoretical.
"I want to play, and players want to play,” Plum said via ESPN’s Alexa Philippu. “Obviously we're going to continue to negotiate and do everything we possibly can to get this done in a timely fashion. But obviously a strike would be the worst thing for both sides."
Last week, the WNBA set that deadline for a new collective-bargaining agreement to be finalized. If a deal is not reached, the start of the season could be delayed.
In response, the league reportedly submitted another counterproposal Sunday, according to New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart, who spoke with ESPN.
Specific details of the latest offer have not been made public. However, both Plum and Stewart addressing the negotiations publicly signals that significant gaps remain. Revenue sharing has been a central point of disagreement throughout the offseason, with previous proposals drawing sharp criticism from both sides.
The tone between the league and union grew more pointed in late February after the WNBA reportedly labeled a players’ revenue-sharing proposal “unrealistic.” Since then, additional counteroffers have been exchanged.
However, Stewart indicated Monday that there has been movement on revenue-related discussions, though she acknowledged more refinement is needed.
Like Plum, Stewart cautioned against escalating to a strike. “I don’t think a strike is good for anyone,” she said.
The players authorized the option of a strike in December, giving them leverage if talks stall. Still, reports suggest some players have reconsidered that path as negotiations have evolved.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver had previously indicated he would assist in facilitating discussions, though Stewart noted he has not been present on negotiation calls.
With the deadline approaching, both sides face pressure to bridge the remaining gaps. Plum emphasized that the players will continue negotiating in hopes of reaching a deal “in a timely fashion.” Whether that happens before March 10 could determine how the 2026 season begins, or whether it begins on time at all.