With less than 100 days until the 2026 WNBA season tips off on May 8, the collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the WNBA and WNBPA may finally take a turn this Monday. And updates are coming from key players who aren't mincing words about what's at stake.​

WNBPA first vice president Kelsey Plum confirmed that both sides will convene in New York City on February 2 for their first face-to-face meeting since the fall.

At the Unrivaled, Kelsey Plum said, “I think we’ll learn a lot from this meeting.” She added, “I’m not trying to put it all on the meeting, but this is a meeting where I think everyone understands what’s at stake. The league has its timelines, and we as players understand what’s at stake too.”

As Alex posted on X with further details, “A source with knowledge of the situation confirmed this meeting is happening. Expected to include PA staff, PA leadership, and league CBA leadership, including the labor relations committee and owners.” 

This means it's not just Plum but the rest of them joining too. Attendance is expected from Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier (vice president), along with other committee members or team union representatives, potentially including Breanna Stewart (vice president).

And this sit-down was finalized on Tuesday afternoon after months of stalled talks. Plum isn't the only one voicing her thoughts ahead of this critical meeting.

And Plum is not the only player speaking candidly ahead of the critical meeting.

Natasha Cloud's Unfiltered Message

New York Liberty guard Natasha Cloud delivered one of the strongest statements yet on the state of negotiations during a Friday press conference at Unrivaled.

When asked about the uncertainty surrounding, Cloud responded with a three-word answer: “We’re not worried.”

She went on to say, “All the power is in our hands. We’ve never had a moment like this so much momentum, so much investment, so much demand for our sport.”

The Liberty guard then addressed the camera directly with a stern warning, "We will not f******* move until y'all move. Without us, there is no W season".

Her comments highlight the very real possibility of a strike. Which is an outcome that could affect the league's unprecedented momentum.

Cloud further stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “The pressure is on the WNBA, on Cathy [Engelbert], on Adam [Silver] — on everyone in that front office. Do your job.”

She asserted that the players are frustrated not just with current offers, but also with being left out of talks on new TV deals. “There’s a new TV contract coming, and they aren’t even discussing it with us. If you knew the percentages they’re offering, it would genuinely outrage you.”

So certainly, the stakes are high for Monday’s meeting. On December 18, players voted to allow the WNBPA executive committee to call a strike if necessary, with 93% participation and 98% approval. And if we are to weigh in on the reports, the sides are about $56 million apart, with the WNBPA asking for 30% of gross revenue and the WNBA offering 70% of net revenue.

With incoming stars like UConn's Azzi Fudd set to join the league, momentum is on the WNBA's side. So if they can get a deal done, Monday's meeting will reveal whether both sides are finally ready to move or not.

Follow us on She Got Game, as we keep an eye on the same and bring it to you.

Written by

Ishika Ghosh

Edited by

Joyita Das