DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Caitlin Clark understands the gravity of the WNBA’s current labor negotiations, calling them the “greatest moment in the history” of the league.
“It’s not something that can be wasted,” the Indiana Fever All-Star guard said after practice at USA Basketball camp Friday. “We’re going to fight for everything we deserve, but at the same time, we have to play basketball. That’s what our fans dream of. You want the product to be on the floor. At the end of the day, that’s how marketable you are, that’s what the fans want to show up for.”
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The players and owners are currently in negotiations and meet regularly. They extended a Deadline from November 30 to January 9 a few weeks ago. Wage increases and income sharing are two major areas on which the parties are not close.
The league offered a maximum salary that would have a guaranteed base of $1 million, with projected revenue sharing pushing total maximum player earnings to more than $1.2 million in 2026, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Nov. 30 on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. The person confirmed on Friday that the figures were still accurate but could increase during negotiations.
“It’s a deal, it’s a negotiation. There has to be a compromise on both sides. It’s starting to be settled a little bit. Obviously I want to help in any way I can,” Clark said. “There are different things that we can say ‘we deserve it’ that aren’t going to compromise that, and other things that we can probably compromise on. Like I said, this is the greatest moment in WNBA history and I don’t want that to be forgotten.”
Clark, who has helped bring so much attention to the league since being drafted No. 1 in 2024, educated herself on key issues and spoke to members of the negotiating team, including her Fever teammate Brianna Turner. Clark went to a meeting during All-Star weekend, but hasn’t been since.
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American teammate Angel Reese, who has also helped bring more attention to the league since she was a 2024 rookie, appreciates what union negotiators are doing.
“The vets did a great job speaking for us. Nneka (Ogwumike), Satou (Sabally), (Napheesa Collier), they all did a great job,” Reese said. “They’re doing it for our generation and the next. It comes and goes, but it’s really important for us to continue to be involved, to come together collectively and come together as one and not stop until we get everything we want.”
Kelsey Plum is part of this union executive committee and actively participated in negotiations. She was a little disappointed by the lack of progress.
“To be honest, it’s been disheartening, the frustration with the negotiations and the fact that we’re still a long way away,” she said. “What I’m proud of is that we’re playing with a group of women who are united and standing behind something. It’s not just about us, it’s about the future and women in general. Fighting for what needs to be done. Stick to that, move forward and hopefully achieve something that we’re really proud of.”
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