Frustration hangs over WNBA All-Star weekend as players slam latest labor talks

19/7/2025 13:14

Labor negotiations between the WNBA and the players' union hung over the All-Star weekend on Friday, as a dazzling showcase of the league's progress kicked off amid frustration from the women on the court in Indianapolis.



The WNBPA admonished the league after their latest meeting on Thursday, saying the WNBA had failed to "address the priorities we've voiced from the day we opted out."



Players in October voted to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, once seen as a landmark deal for women's sports but now viewed by many players as woefully inadequate amid a surge of popularity in the WNBA.



Swarmed by reporters on Friday as part of a pre-All-Star Game media availability, WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike said she felt the meeting was a missed opportunity.



"Yes, we're celebrating amazing growth, but I think it's not lost on us that we're living the growth as we're negotiating our worth," she said. "The fans know what we're worth. Now we need the league to know what we are worth."