As the 2026 WNBA season approaches, uncertainty looms over the league’s future due to unresolved collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. On February 5, 2026, a crucial meeting intended to resolve ongoing disputes between league officials and player representatives ended without any progress. The league entered discussions without a formal proposal, signaling a precarious situation that has left many wondering if a lockout is imminent.
Breanna Stewart, vice president of the WNBPA and a leading figure in the negotiations, has openly acknowledged the possibility of a work stoppage, indicating that players are prepared to take a stand if their demands are not met.
Breanna Stewart Voices Determination and Preparedness for Player Action
In an interview on the Game Recognize Game podcast, Breanna Stewart made clear that the player union has authorized a strike vote, demonstrating their readiness to take decisive action. Despite their willingness to disrupt the upcoming season, Stewart emphasized the players’ desire to compete and the importance they place on playing the game.
“We’ve approved the strike authorization vote, which means we’re able to formally lock out whenever we want because we have the majority of the players’ votes behind us think that for me personally, the sooner it gets at W base season, we’re prepared to do it, to not play, but we don’t want to. We want to play because we know how important it is to be on the court,”
said Breanna Stewart, basketball star and WNBPA vice president.
“The closer it gets to WNBA season[…] we’re prepared to not play[…] but we want to play.”
– Breanna Stewart, on the Game Recognize Game Podcast
Stewart’s comments underscore a tense atmosphere as players balance their commitment to the sport with their insistence on fair treatment and compensation.
Player Union Empowered but Facing Significant Challenges
The WNBPA has been granted broad authority by its members to take necessary measures should negotiations fail to yield satisfactory results. Stewart and her basketball community expressed that while they do not wish for a lockout, they stand ready to halt play if it becomes the only way to advance their cause. The union’s firm stance comes amid frustrations over the league’s hesitance to meet the players’ financial and contract terms.
Conflict of Interest Questions Surround Stewart Amid Dual Roles
Stewart’s position as a co-founder of Unrivaled, an independent women’s basketball organization alongside Napheesa Collier, has raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest given her involvement in WNBA negotiations. This dual role has drawn criticism, but Stewart has defended her commitment to both enterprises, asserting her desire for success in both arenas.
“I know a lot of people are kind of hating about [me] being a part of Unrivaled and also trying to negotiate the WNBA, but it’s like, I want two things to both be successful,”
Stewart admitted on the podcast.
Unrivaled offers significantly higher salaries to players than the WNBA, with reported payouts reaching $220,000 in 2025 and increasing in 2026. This contrast highlights the financial challenges the WNBA players face, fueling demands for better compensation within the league.
Financial Disagreements Remain Central to the Negotiation Impasse
The league’s current proposal reportedly suggests salary ranges from about $250,000 to nearly $1.3 million for 2026, with an average salary forecast to climb from $120,000 to $540,000. However, this offer falls short of players’ expectations, as it provides less than 15% of net revenue to players. In contrast, Stewart advocates for players to receive a 30% share based on gross revenue, arguing that the league’s offer is insufficient and could result in significant losses by trying to suppress player demands.
The impasse revolves around the league’s warning that granting the 30% revenue share sought by players could lead to approximately $700 million in losses over the agreement’s term, representing a major obstacle to compromise.
Stewart Balances Commitment to Negotiations and On-Court Responsibilities
Despite the complexities and pressures involved, Stewart demonstrates a steadfast commitment to both resolving the labor dispute and maintaining her performance on the court. Ahead of an important Zoom meeting scheduled for February 1, she expressed the challenge of juggling her responsibilities.
“There are moments and times where you have to do both,”
Stewart explained.
“That’s what I’ll be doing on Monday. I want to make sure I’m present in that meeting on Zoom, and at the same time, be ready for our game at 8:45 at night.”
Her dedication highlights the dual role many players must assume during this turbulent period, underscoring the personal and professional stakes involved as the league’s future hangs in the balance.
Broader Implications for the WNBA and Women’s Basketball
The looming prospect of a WNBA lockout carries significant implications for the league, its players, and fans. A work stoppage could disrupt the momentum the league has built in recent years and impact the visibility and growth of women’s professional basketball. Stewart’s leadership, combining advocacy with on-court excellence, reflects the larger struggle players face in securing fair compensation and respect within the sports industry.
With the WNBA season approaching rapidly, stakeholders across the league will be closely monitoring developments, hoping for a breakthrough that avoids a lockout but recognizing that the players, led by Stewart, are prepared to stand firm in their pursuit of justice and equitable treatment.
Breanna Stewart discusses the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations with podcast co-host and NBA player, Myles Turner.
“The closer it gets to WNBA season[…] we’re prepared to not play[…] but we want to play.”
(via Game Recognize Game Podcast) pic.twitter.com/lJMeIPtEME
— haus hoops | wbb (@haushoops) February 4, 2026
