SHOCKING REVELATION: WNBA Players Threaten to Strike Over Salary Discrepancies—Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington Demand Change in CBA Negotiations

The WNBA has been experiencing some of the most significant growth in its history in recent years, largely driven by superstar players like Caitlin Clark and the rising visibility of women’s basketball. The increase in ratings, fan engagement, and sponsorship deals has created an exciting landscape for the league. However, behind this growth lies an unresolved issue that could potentially reshape the future of the WNBA: the league’s ongoing CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) negotiations, which are heating up as players like Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington voice their concerns over salary disparities and fair compensation.

In a bold and eye-opening revelation, two of the league’s top stars, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and DiJonai Carrington of the Dallas Wings, have indicated that they are fully prepared to sit out games if their demands for better pay and benefits are not met. This announcement, made during an episode of Reese’s podcast Unapologetically Angel, signals that WNBA players are taking a stand and ready to challenge the current system—something that could dramatically alter the dynamics of the league.

DiJonai Carrington✞ (@dijonai__) • Instagram photos and videos

The Push for Change: WNBA’s Pay Gap and Salary Inequality

One of the most glaring issues in professional women’s sports has always been the disparity in pay between female athletes and their male counterparts. The WNBA, despite its incredible growth in popularity, has long struggled with low salaries, leaving its biggest stars to rely on sponsorship deals and appearances in other leagues to make ends meet. Angel Reese, who recently had a breakout season with the Chicago Sky, admitted that her WNBA salary barely covered even one of her bills, a shocking revelation for someone as talented and high-profile as Reese.

But as the league continues to gain momentum, it seems the players are no longer willing to accept the status quo. Both Reese and Carrington are among the league’s most prominent stars, and their comments indicate that WNBA players are ready for a major overhaul in the way the league compensates its talent. “We’ve been underpaid for too long,” Reese said. “We want a fair share of the growth the league is seeing, and if that means sitting out, then so be it.”

Carrington, who was recently named the 2024 WNBA Most Improved Player, shared similar sentiments, adding, “The WNBA has become a much more competitive and high-profile league. The players should be compensated accordingly. We can’t let the increase in revenue go to everyone else but the players who are doing the heavy lifting on the court.”

The 2026 Rookies: A New Era of Pay Equity?

While the CBA negotiations will affect all WNBA players, a particularly important change is expected to benefit the league’s incoming rookies. Both Reese and Carrington mentioned that the 2026 class of rookies could see a significant bump in base pay as part of the new agreement. This potential salary increase would help attract top talent to the league and further raise the profile of women’s professional basketball.

While the specifics of the negotiations are still under wraps, the possibility of increased base pay for rookies is seen as a step toward addressing the long-standing issue of pay inequality in the WNBA. With more and more players speaking out about the disparity between their hard work on the court and the compensation they receive, the league’s management will likely be forced to come to the table with a more equitable proposal.

Angel Reese - Wikipedia

The WNBA’s Rapid Growth: A Double-Edged Sword?

The WNBA’s growth over the past few years has been nothing short of remarkable. Following Caitlin Clark’s entry into the league, the sport has experienced a surge in ratings and national attention. The final game of the 2024 WNBA Finals, for instance, saw a 142% increase in viewership compared to the previous year, despite the fact that Clark wasn’t even playing. This surge in popularity has brought more sponsorships, media deals, and opportunities for players, but it has also underscored the growing frustration among athletes who feel that their contributions are not being adequately compensated.

As the WNBA continues to see record-breaking growth, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the discrepancy between the league’s expanding financial success and the players’ relatively low salaries. With Reese, Carrington, and other top stars demanding higher pay, the WNBA faces a pivotal moment. The players are no longer content to let their success go underappreciated. If the league doesn’t address their demands, it could lead to serious consequences, including potential strikes and boycotts that could halt the momentum the league has been building.

The Future of the WNBA: Will Players Strike for Fair Pay?

The WNBA is at a crossroads. The current CBA is set to expire in 2027, but players have already signaled their intent to fight for better compensation. With Reese, Carrington, and others pushing for a more equitable system, the league will have to make tough decisions about how to distribute its growing revenue. If the WNBA does not meet the players’ demands, the upcoming season could see major disruptions, with the possibility of players sitting out or striking.

But this isn’t just about money—it’s about respect. Players like Reese and Carrington aren’t just looking for more pay—they’re looking for recognition of their contributions to the league’s success. They want to be seen as equals in a system that has long undervalued their talents. For many, this is not just about business; it’s about fairness and dignity in the workplace.

The League’s Response: What Will the WNBA Do?

As the WNBA gears up for its CBA negotiations, the league’s response will be crucial in determining the future of the sport. Will the league take the necessary steps to ensure that its players are paid fairly, or will it continue to allow its stars to struggle with low salaries while the league profits from their talent? With the growing demands for higher pay and better working conditions, the WNBA could be on the verge of a major turning point. If the league doesn’t act quickly, it risks losing the trust and support of its players—and, ultimately, its fans.

What’s Next for the WNBA?

The next few months will be critical for the WNBA, as players like Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington lead the charge for fair pay and better compensation. Will the league step up and meet their demands, or will it face the consequences of a strike? As the negotiations unfold, fans, players, and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see if the WNBA will finally recognize the value of its most important asset—the players.

What do YOU think about the WNBA’s upcoming CBA negotiations and the calls for a strike? Are the players right to demand better pay, or are they asking for too much? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for the latest updates on this groundbreaking situation