Players escalate labor dispute with public protest, signaling frustration with stalled WNBA negotiations and looming strike potential.
A giant inflatable rat stood outside the NBA Store in New York City on Friday, a blunt visual meant to signal that WNBA players believe patience has run out.
The display, organized by the WNBA Players Association, came as the league crossed into a “status quo” period following the expiration of the 2020 collective bargaining agreement. With no extension reached by the latest deadline, the existing CBA remains in effect, but either side can now trigger a work stoppage at any time.
Union leaders framed the protest as a response to what they describe as deliberate delays by the league, arguing that stalled negotiations risk undermining player livelihoods and fan trust at a pivotal moment in the sport’s growth.
“Today’s display of an inflatable rat, a universal symbol of labor protest, outside of the NBA Store, calls attention to how the league and its teams have handled these negotiations,” the union said. “By delaying and clinging to the status quo, they are jeopardizing the livelihoods of players and the trust and investment of fans, all in the name of preserving regressive provisions that no longer belong in women’s basketball.”
The public escalation followed weeks of quiet frustration. Sources familiar with the talks confirmed that the players’ union has not received a counterproposal to an offer it sent more than two weeks ago. That silence, according to union officials, has fueled concerns that the league is content to let deadlines lapse rather than meaningfully engage.
Roughly 30 minutes before the agreement formally expired Friday night, the WNBPA released a sharply worded statement accusing the league of attempting to “run out the clock” instead of negotiating in good faith.
“At midnight, the 2020 WNBA-WNBPA Collective Bargaining Agreement will expire,” the statement read. “Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise in order to get a deal done, the WNBA and its teams have failed to meet us at the table with the same spirit and seriousness.”
The current labor framework was originally set to expire on Oct. 31, 2025. That deadline was extended twice — first to Nov. 30, then to Jan. 9 — as negotiations continued. This time, no extension was expected, and none materialized.
While neither side has announced plans for a lockout, the stakes are clear. Players voted last month to authorize a strike if necessary, a move intended to strengthen their negotiating position without immediately disrupting the season.
Breanna Stewart, a vice president of the union, has said she remains hopeful progress can be made. She told Sarah Spain on the “Good Game with Sarah Spain” podcast this week that she believes an agreement could still be reached by Feb. 1.
Behind the rhetoric lies a significant financial divide. The league’s most recent proposal would raise the salary cap to $5 million and push the maximum salary above $1 million, a substantial increase from the $1.5 million cap and $250,000 max salary in 2025. Players, however, are seeking a cap closer to $10.5 million with a $2.5 million maximum salary.
The largest gap involves revenue sharing. Players are asking for 30% of gross revenue, while the league has proposed 70% of net revenue — a figure calculated after league-defined operating expenses are deducted. Union leaders argue that such a structure masks the true value created by player labor.
The WNBPA said the disagreement is about more than pay, pointing to professional working conditions and long-term protections as central issues in the talks.
“This misguided approach will not work,” the union said.
“In the face of the league and teams’ actions, the players remain undeterred, unafraid, and unwavering in their commitment to doing what is necessary to secure a transformational new CBA.”
As negotiations continue under the shadow of potential labor action, the union has made clear it believes the league is at an inflection point.
“Make no mistake,” the statement said. “Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue. We urge the league and its teams to meet this moment. The players already have and will continue to do so.”