Caitlin Clark and WNBA stars raise pressure with strike threat

Caitlin Clark and her teammates took an unprecedented step by authorizing the Players Association (WNBPA) to call a strike if needed. The move highlights the tension in negotiations with the WNBA over a new collective bargaining agreement, with the deadline set for January 9, 2026.

The vote showed overwhelming unity: 93% of eligible players participated and 98% supported granting that authority to the executive committee. For Clark, those numbers prove patience has run out and demands can no longer be ignored.

The economic backdrop

Caitlin Clark has stressed that the league’s growth must translate into better conditions for players. After a historic $2.2 billion media rights deal, athletes argue their share of revenue remains too small compared to the impact they generate.

How Caitlin Clark transformed the WNBA — charter flights, record viewership, higher salary cap and a Midwest fan surge pic.twitter.com/2OdU3ocbed

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The WNBA proposed a new structure with base salaries of $1 million and averages above $530,000 in the early years. Still, Caitlin Clark and the union want a fairer split, closer to 30% of revenue, compared to the 15% offered by the league.

The players’ voice

Caitlin Clark, along with other stars, explained this isn’t an immediate strike call but a tool for leverage. The WNBPA clarified the authorization strengthens trust in its leadership and shows the group’s solidarity.

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According to Marca, the decision signals a shift in mindset: players no longer settle for gradual raises, they want a model that ensures stability and recognition proportional to the league’s success.

What’s at stake

The future of the WNBA hinges on how this standoff ends. The strike threat not only pressures executives, it also sparks debate about the true value of stars like Caitlin Clark in a growing market.

The outcome will mark a turning point. If the league concedes, players could secure a historic deal. If not, Caitlin Clark and her teammates are ready to take drastic action.