Daijiworld Media Network – Seattle
Seattle, Jun 23: Seattle Storm forward and WNBA Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike has voiced strong support for fairer player compensation, saying that salaries must now reflect the league’s rapid growth and rising revenues.
Speaking after the Storm’s 89-79 win over the New York Liberty on Sunday, Ogwumike addressed the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks, emphasizing the players’ preparedness and business acumen.
“We have women out here who know the business,” Ogwumike said. “We understand where our league has been and where it’s going. And we want our value to be recognised — in our contracts, in our facilities, and in the resources made available to us.”
The WNBA is currently experiencing unprecedented financial growth, with rising ticket sales, major sponsor deals, and an 11-year media rights contract worth around $200 million per year beginning in 2026. However, player salaries have not seen matching increases.
WNBA players opted out of the current CBA last October, though the existing agreement still covers the 2025 season. Ogwumike noted that the league had responded to the union, calling it a “good” step forward.
“The next step is ensuring that contracts represent the growth we’ve all worked for,” she said. “Valuing the players in a way that makes sense for what we’re doing — and for the fans who support us — is essential if we want to keep delivering games like this.”
Some WNBA players have even suggested sitting out games if salary negotiations do not yield fair outcomes.
Ogwumike, while hopeful, also expressed gratitude for the unity among players and the support from the union’s leadership. “I’m appreciative of our player reps, our board of advisors and PA staff, and the women who are speaking up,” she said. “We’re all working together to achieve a successful, collaborative negotiation.”
Meetings between the WNBPA and league are expected in the coming weeks, with player voices growing louder and more united in their demand for equity.