What’s going on with WNBA’s CBA talks? Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart writes 3 page letter for concern over negotiation

Tension is rising inside the WNBA as collective bargaining talks approach a critical March 10 deadline. Two of the league’s biggest stars, Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart, have formally raised concerns about how negotiations are being handled.

In a three page letter sent to WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson, the pair questioned communication gaps and the level of player involvement in shaping the next agreement.The letter arrives at a crucial time. The 2026 season is scheduled to begin May 8, with the college draft, expansion draft, and free agency all lined up beforehand. More than 100 players are set to hit free agency. With so much at stake, internal unity has become as important as the numbers being debated across the table.

Kelsey Plum and Breanna Stewart writes 3 page letter for concern over handling of the negotiation

Kelsey Plum and Stewart expressed "serious concerns about how the PA is handling the current negotiations" and cited "including the lack of adequate player involvement in the process." They requested "a changed dynamic between our PA administrators and the players" and wrote, "we do not feel like we have an adequate seat at the table in these negotiations," as reported by ESPN.Their message acknowledged past leadership while pointing to current frustration.

"But we are frustrated that we have not made more progress as we near the March 10 deadline," they wrote, adding, "and we believe this is a result of a breakdown in communication between you and the Executive Committee and players more broadly."They also stated, "Despite a year and a half of negotiations, we have not been meaningfully engaged."The letter detailed requests for financial transparency, revenue breakdowns, rookie salary structure clarity, and clearer definitions of executive committee responsibilities.

"As we understand it, the Executive Committee's role is to help shape the overall goals and priorities of the CBA and to serve as a bridge between your negotiating team and the broader membership -- ultimately helping to secure player approval of any deal," they wrote.

"Without access to the information requested above, the Executive Committee cannot fulfill this role, and players cannot be expected to engage meaningfully in a process they have largely been excluded from."They added, "When we and other players have attempted to express concerns about negotiations, we have been made to feel as though we are acting against the interests of the PA. Many other players across the league feel these same frustrations and have expressed them to us, but feel afraid or unable to speak out."On strategy, both players emphasized caution. Plum previously called the current proposal a "significant win" and said "a strike would be the worst thing for both sides." In the letter, they wrote they are "concerned about the impact that a standoff or work stoppage would have on the overall financial health of the league" and stressed, "We need to start being pragmatic in these negotiations and in how decisions are being made.

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What's going on with the CBA talks?

Negotiations intensified on March 1 when the league submitted a major counterproposal (via AllBat). Key elements include:

The core divide remains gross versus net revenue sharing. That structural gap continues to define the talks.