Amidst the arguably most uncertain WNBA offseason, Dawn Staley’s recent take says a lot about where her support lies.

The clock is ticking on the CBA whilethe new season is set to tip off in May. Yet the WNBA and WNBPA still don't agree on the terms.

On February 20, during a pregame media availability before the South Carolina Gamecocks’ game against Ole Miss, Staley pitched in.

“I think negotiating is hard, but it’s good”, the Gamecocks’ coach said. “Anybody that is willing to bet on self in this space is always a good thing. A bet on self is both ways. The WNBA is betting on self, and the players are betting on self,” said Staley.

She then offered her direct support for the players. The league has seen rising popularity from stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and players are now demanding their share.

“I’ve been a player, you know, and the game is in high demand, like super high demand”, she added. “If you don’t fight for something right now, you’re gonna settle for anything in the future. So, I think we’ll have a season, just me. I think we’ll have a season, and I believe it’s gonna start on time.”

Staley’s words might just come true, given the recent CBA resumption after 17 months of stalemate. However, the gap remains between the league and players.

WNBA Termed WNBPA’s Demands “Unrealistic”

On February 7, the league presented a fresh proposal that the players' union president, Breanna Stewart, saw as a positive step. The WNBA is willing to expand developmental roster spots, increase 401(k) contributions, codify charter flights, facility standards, and other structural changes.

But the main concern involving revenue sharing remains. The players have submitted a counterproposal, asking for 27.5% of gross revenue. It is less than the 31% they demanded previously. But the league termed it as “unrealistic”, which will cause hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for teams.

The league is betting on teams’ long-term sustainability, whereas the players are betting on their own value. While Staley supports the players, the pending CBA is delaying free agency, the college draft, and the expansion draft.

With that being said, do you think the season will start on time? Comment your thoughts.

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Written by

Deblina Roy