The mood around the WNBA has shifted fast. Players aren’t just frustrated anymore, they’re officially ready to strike if discussions don’t move forward. That vote changed everything. With the CBA deadline creeping up on Jan. 9, the pressure is real, the league is tense, and everyone knows something has to give soon.

Recently, though, the conversation took a sharp turn when former Miami Marlins executive David Samson jumped in on The Dan Le Batard Show. He warned that if players push too hard in these negotiations, the league could actually collapse. “If the players get too greedy, it will be the end of the WNBA,” he said, adding that many of them still have other options outside the league.

The tension grew as the league’s latest offer came out. The WNBA’s top base salary could hit $1 million in 2026. Revenue-sharing incentives could push total earnings above $1.3 million that year. Over the life of the deal, max contracts could reach nearly $2 million. Still, players feel it’s not enough. They want a bigger share of the revenue.

The vote made that clear. The WNBPA revealed that 93% of players participated, and 98% voted yes to give the Executive Committee power to call a strike. The message was loud and clear: players are ready to stand firm, even if it risks conflict and sparks warnings like David Samson’s about the league’s future.

Samson didn’t stop there. He also called out Caitlin Clark, saying players want to capitalize on the popularity she has brought to the league as its visibility grows.

Caitlin's Rise Shapes WNBA Negotiations

Caitlin Clark played just 13 games last season due to right groin, left quad, and left groin injuries. Despite that, she remains a key figure in the league’s growing visibility.

David Samson, former Miami Marlins executive, said players see Clark’s popularity as a reason to push for better deals. “They feel this is their moment because of all the attention Caitlin Clark brings,” he said. He noted players have options, including overseas contracts or platforms like Unrivaled.

Samson added a warning: “I’d be careful being too confident if I were the Players Association. Owners won’t miss the WNBA if it folds, they’ll be fine.”

On the court, Clark still averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, shooting 36.7% from the field and 27.9% from three-point range. Her star power continues to boost the league and the players’ negotiating leverage.

Written by

Ishika Ghosh

Edited by

Joyita Das