INDIANAPOLIS – After a crucial meeting with commissioner Cathy Engelbert and various ownership representatives, WNBA players gathered at All-Star Weekend expressed that the discussions amounted to a "missed opportunity." However, hope remains alive for more fruitful negotiations as both sides aim for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

In a media briefing at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, over 40 players voiced their concerns following Thursday's sessions. Last fall, the players' union opted out of the existing agreement established in 2020, hoping to finalize a new CBA by October.

The clock is ticking; a timely agreement is critical, especially with an expansion draft planned for new franchises in Portland and Toronto in 2026. Only a year ago, the expansion draft for the Golden State Valkyries took place in December, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

All-Star captain Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx conveyed the sense of urgency, stating, "We're on a time crunch. No one wants a lockout. But at the end of the day, we must stand firm on certain topics. We hope the league will respond swiftly to restart dialogue and move things forward."

Union president Nneka Ogwumike from the Seattle Storm emphasized the significance of the players' robust turnout, noting that it symbolized a historical moment in their advocacy. "We hoped for more to come from the engagement of so many players," she remarked, stressing that another meeting with such participation might not occur again.

While players indicated that some common ground exists regarding family planning and retirement benefits, they remain far apart on crucial matters like revenue sharing and salary structures. The issue of prioritization—ensuring the WNBA takes precedence over competing leagues—is another sticking point, compounded by the financial realities players face.

Gabby Williams of the Seattle Storm suggested that the league is increasingly seeking total commitment from players. However, she pointed out that without competitive salaries, such exclusivity isn't feasible. "You can't have exclusivity without paying for it," affirmed Collier.

As players entered Thursday's discussions, apprehension loomed regarding the league's delayed responses to proposals submitted earlier this year. The players sent an initial proposal back in February, with the league's response only arriving in mid-June.

All-Star Breanna Stewart remarked, "While it was beneficial to have a meeting with the league, to be honest, it felt like a wasted opportunity. We could have dived deeper into the issues at hand. Our proposals and their responses were worlds apart."

Fellow All-Star Sabrina Ionescu noted the time constraints hindered substantial progress but remained optimistic. "While we could hear the league's perspective, our goal is to find a middle ground that works for us both," she said.

Players like Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks underscored the transformational potential of revenue sharing, insisting they deserve their fair share of the financial growth the league has experienced. "We want a piece of the whole pie—not just a bit of it. Our unity is our strength in this fight," she declared.

Natasha Cloud from the Liberty acknowledged the genuine intentions from both sides but stressed the adversarial nature of negotiations. "While we seek common ground, we will not accept mere crumbs for our efforts," she asserted.

In a dynamic league that has seen exponential growth and expanding franchises, the stakes have never been higher for players as they fight to secure their rightful place within the evolving landscape of women's basketball.