INDIANAPOLIS -- WNBA players gathered in Indianapolis for the All-Star weekend voiced their frustration over what they termed a "wasted opportunity" during recent discussions with league commissioner Cathy Engelbert and ownership representatives. The meeting, which took place on Thursday, involved at least 40 players and aimed to address critical issues in the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.

Key Points of Contention

Players highlighted several areas where they feel progress is lacking:

• Revenue Sharing: Players are pushing for a more equitable share of the league's growing revenues.
• Salary Structure: There is a significant gap between what players are asking for and what the league is offering.
• Prioritization: The league wants players to prioritize WNBA commitments over other leagues, but players argue that the current salaries don't support such exclusivity.

Player Perspectives

Napheesa Collier, All-Star team captain from the Minnesota Lynx, emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement: "We're on a time crunch. No one wants a lockout. But we have to stand firm on certain topics."

Nneka Ogwumike, president of the players' union, expressed disappointment with the meeting's outcomes: "We were hoping for more engagement. I don't anticipate another meeting with this many players involved."

Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty called the meeting a "wasted opportunity," noting the lack of substantive progress: "Our first offer and their counter were like black and white."

Looking Ahead

Despite the setbacks, players remain hopeful for more constructive discussions. The league's financial landscape has changed significantly since the last CBA, with new franchises and increased valuations. Players are determined to secure a fair deal that reflects their contributions to the league's growth.

Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks summed up the players' resolve: "We want a piece of the entire pie, not just a part of it. We're a resilient group."

As the negotiations continue, both sides will need to find common ground to avoid a potential lockout and ensure the WNBA's continued success.