WNBA commissioner makes CBA vow after Angel Reese salary complaints

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has vowed that negotiations with players will not be played out in the media - amid complaints from stars such as Angel Reese over salaries.

Amid the exponential growth of the popularity and stature of the league around the world, debate has abounded over the competition's collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Player Association .

The current settlement is set to expire in 2025, meaning the WNBA and the players' union will need to re-negotiate fresh terms ahead of 2026.

These prospective talks come as the discourse surrounding salaries in the league continues to be subject to debate in the wider basketball community.

The contracts of history-making rookies including Caitlin Clark and the aforementioned Reese even inspired then-U.S.

President Joe Biden to wade into the discourse over pay last year.

Now, league commissioner Engelbert has categorically affirmed that she is determined to ensure that any discussions between the WNBA and the players' union over the CBA will be conducted privately.

She commented: "Were not going to negotiate in the media, were going to negotiate with players across the bargaining table.

"So Im not going to comment on specifics other than weve been building a new economic model, quite frankly, leading womens sports to build that model with our new media rights deals with all that corporate partnerships.

So yes we want to have a fair deal for all but it has to be within the confines of a sustainable economic model that goes on for 10 years.

Remarking upon the clear rise in interest surrounding the league in recent years, the WNBA chief contended: "Weve had a few years of great growth...

but we need to continue to make sure that we can fund the things that the players are asking for, that we want for them, too.

"We all want the players to make more money, that will happen.

Well do something transformational but again, nothing to report exactly today because were not that far into negotiations to report any specifics," she continued, before adding: "Im very optimistic that well get something done and itll be transformational." Previously, Chicago Sky starlet Reese opened up on the state of her finances , with a revelatory post on X after receiving $50,000 in prize money for her triumphant run in the Unrivaled tournament.

Hinting that this cash was set to be a major boost, she said on the social media platform: "50K NEED DATTTTT." This inspired a reply from former two-time WNBA champion Sydney Colson, who vowed: "Hey Angel girl, I just wanted to check in and see how you're doing and just let you know Im here for you if you need anything...

especially if you need to get rid of 50k by tomorrow or anything like that..." In response, the former college basketball hero, then said: "Hey sista.

Im doing well.

Just won 50k on a flight.

I know you are VERY aware and Im sorry to break it to you but Im on a rookie contract and that 50k was a little more than half of my contract, so I have to keep that to myself....

sorry.

Give me a few years and I gotchu (sic).

Be well.".

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