Nneka Ogwumike breaks silence after WNBPA strike authorization vote appeared first on Clutch Points. Add ClutchPoints as Favorite source by clicking here.
The stakes in the WNBA’s CBA (collective bargaining agreement) negotiations have increased since the The WNBPA announced that players were ready to strike if this move becomes necessary. Today, for the first time since, the president of the players’ union Nneka Ogwumike opened up to ESPN about where exactly are the players’ opinions?.
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“We’re looking to do a lot of things, but I think we’re also prepared for whatever it takes to make that happen, understanding that we want a 2026 season. We want to make sure that this season is the best way for us to put the product on the field and have that product valued,” Ogwumike explained.
“That means we could potentially strike if necessary, but that doesn’t mean we want that to happen,” she added. “But we have it in our arsenal to be able to get exactly what we need, which is a fair deal that represents our value in a very meaningful way.”
According to Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, 93% of players participated in the vote and 98% voted in favor of the strike. If that were to happen, the WNBA’s first-ever work stoppage would derail at least the start of the 2026 season.
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“I’m hopeful. I want to play,” Ogwumike said. “And I know I’m going to do a lot of things on behalf of these players, thanks to the incredible leadership of this executive committee. So I’m looking forward to seeing how the conversations can be more collaborative.”
THE The latest proposal from the WNBPA said about 30 percent of total WNBA and team revenue should go to players, while the league’s last agreement suggested a share of less than 15 percent and decreasing over the life of the CBA. Both parties have until January 9, 2026 to reach an agreement.
Related: WNBA Mock Expansion Draft
