Las Vegas Aces stars Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray spoke about the current collective bargaining agreement discussions still underway between the WNBA players’ union and the league. Both players are part of USA Basketball preparing for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico, as the league and players seek improved terms including higher pay and enhanced benefits. The WNBA has set a deadline for a new agreement by Tuesday to prevent interruptions to the upcoming 2026 season schedule.
Player Perspectives on Potential Strike and Negotiation Challenges
Chelsea Gray expressed the players’ readiness to push for fair treatment, signaling openness to a strike if necessary. She emphasized the importance of unity and individual choice within the players’ group.
“We’re still in this fight to get what we deserve,”
Gray stated.
“We said, if it comes to it, it was an overwhelming percentage that said yes. We will be okay going on strike. Finally, that comes into play, but I think there’s also this mentality that, you know, where does it stop? Where are you comfortable doing it individually? That’s everybody’s choice. But for me, I was okay giving my okay. If this doesn’t come with what we want, then I’m okay doing that.”
Gray also highlighted the ongoing private discussions between parties but underscored the shared goal:
“With any transformation, I think there’s going to be conversations and debates that happen behind the scenes, but I think everybody wants the common goal to be paid, to be treated, and to be valued like we should.”
Jackie Young voiced a similar sentiment, focusing on the desire to be valued and to achieve fair conditions through necessary but difficult conversations.
“I think we’re all just fighting for what we think we deserve,”
Young said.
“I just want to feel valued. I think that’s the biggest thing. Sometimes you have to have hard conversations to get something good.”
Upcoming WNBA Dates and Player Preparedness
Key league dates remain uncertain, with the expansion draft yet to be scheduled, the college draft planned for April 13, and training camps targeted to begin April 19. Despite the unresolved negotiations, both Gray and Young remain committed to their training and optimistic about playing. Gray shared,
“Of course I want to play. The competitor in me wants to play this game every single year, for the fans and for this league to continue growing. There’s a lot of momentum right now so of course we want to play. It’s just that balance of making sure that we feel that we’re in the right place to play when that time comes.”
Young added,
“I’m preparing to play. I can’t just sit and not work out. You know, so my thing is I’m just still trying to get in the best shape possible. Obviously, I think both sides want a season and want to play. So I’m just kind of preparing my mind as I usually do at this point in time to get ready for the season.”
Focus on International Competition and Women’s Sports Visibility
While contract talks continue, Young and Gray are focused on representing the United States as Team USA competes in the FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament from March 11 to 17. The six-team pool includes Spain, Italy, Senegal, Puerto Rico, and New Zealand. The USA’s first match is scheduled for Wednesday against Senegal at 1:45 p.m. PST.
Gray stressed the importance of visibility for women’s athletics at all levels, citing the significance of their international presence.
“Representation and being able to see us and visibility matters on all levels, no matter what uniform we’re in,”
she noted.
“I think it’s amazing that a lot of different people will be able to see us play at different points and moments.”
New Advances and Community Engagement by Las Vegas Aces
The Las Vegas Aces have introduced innovative training methods such as red light therapy to support player recovery and performance. Perry Kamel has been instrumental in making this therapy accessible to all athletes within the organization.
The team recently released its 2026 season schedule, kicking off with a first game against the Phoenix Mercury, who were their opponents in the 2025 Finals, heightening anticipation for a competitive season ahead.
In addition to on-court efforts, the Aces participated in a STEM summit during King Week to inspire local students, honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through education and empowerment initiatives.
Meanwhile, the team resolved a legal dispute with former player Dearica Hamby over pregnancy discrimination allegations, with both parties agreeing to dismiss the lawsuit, reflecting a willingness to move forward positively.
Implications and Outlook for the WNBA Season and Players
The ongoing WNBA negotiations represent a crucial moment for players like Jackie Young and Chelsea Gray, who are striving for improved compensation and conditions while committed to their sport and fans. The potential of a strike demonstrates the players’ resolve, yet both sides appear inclined to finalize an agreement that preserves the season’s schedule.
Their participation in international tournaments simultaneously highlights the growing stature of women’s basketball on the global stage. The emphasis on fair pay, visibility, and respect signifies evolving priorities that could influence the league’s future, fan engagement, and the broader conversation around women’s professional sports.
