The deadline for the new WNBA CBA is October 31, and it’s fast approaching with no signs of an agreement. Meanwhile, tensions between the league and its players are rising, sparking fears of a potential lockout.
On the Courtside Club podcast, former NBA player Richard Jefferson spoke directly about the situation. “I would tell the players to trust their instincts… If you’re not satisfied with the commissioner, that’s another issue.” His words came after Napheesa Collier harshly criticized Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, calling her leadership the “worst in the world.”
A conflict that threatens the league’s growth
According to Essentiallysports, Jefferson reminded everyone that Engelbert represents the league’s interests, while the WNBPA stands for the players. “The job is to come together and meet in the middle,” he emphasized. A lockout would disrupt the entire season: team operations would stop, trades would freeze, and the schedule could face delays.
The WNBA is currently enjoying one of its strongest moments in media visibility, attracting major sponsors such as Nike, Delta, and CarMax. The league’s expansion also continues, with Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire preparing for their debut seasons.
Jefferson, who experienced the 2011 NBA lockout, warned that patience and dialogue are crucial. “The more civilized these things are, the better they go,” he said. Now, the women’s league faces a pivotal test: sustaining its growth while preserving the unity that brought it this far.
