For the first time since the fall, players met in person with the league and members of ownership. And once again, a WNBA analyst found something worth highlighting, only this time, it wasn’t the lack of a concrete update.

It was the one who didn’t show up.

“I do kind of wonder what happened with the travel issues because it seemed like they were making it,” Rachel Demita said, highlighting Plum and Collier’s absence during the latest episode of The Courtside Club. “I don’t know, but I do think it’s just a little weird.”

Representing the players’ union in person were president Nneka Ogwumike, vice president Alysha Clark, treasurer Brianna Turner, and Washington Mystics player representative Stefanie Dolson. 

Meanwhile, vice presidents Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart, along with secretary Elizabeth Williams, joined via Zoom. And in total, 40 players participated remotely.

While virtual attendance was understandable for most, it was Plum and Collier’s absence that sparked speculation. That’s because both players were originally scheduled to attend in person. However, they were reportedly unable to make it due to travel issues while flying from Miami.

And…Demita didn’t just stop here. She also pointed to Stewie’s absence, noting that the meeting was more important than attending the Unrivaled game. Well, taken together, the analyst’s stance appeared reasonable, especially in light of earlier ESPN reports.

Is the Players’ Union Dividing?

According to ESPN, a “strong debate” is taking place within the WNBPA’s executive committee. The report suggests the group has split into two camps. One side believes it’s time to stand firm in pursuit of a revamped revenue-sharing model.

The other is reportedly less inclined to pursue a strike. But is that really the case? Not according to union leadership.

“I don’t think there’s been fracturing,” Alysha Clark told Front Office Sports. “As the executive committee, our job is to have these tough conversations behind closed doors. To hash through it all, because it’s a lot. It’s complicated. There are so many things on the table in this proposal, and having discussions doesn’t equate to fracturing.”

The union continues to present a united front. Players are pushing for 30% of gross revenue and still retain the authority to call a strike if necessary.

So, what is your theory behind the reason for Collier’s and Plums’ absence? Tell us in the comments

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Written by

Yashika Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das