WNBA Negotiations Near Lockout as Sabally Condemns CBA Offer

Satou Sabally, Phoenix Mercury forward and WNBA Players Association co-chair, has sharply criticized the WNBA's proposed collective bargaining agreement (CBA), calling it a "slap in the face." With the current CBA set to expire in 2027 and players opting out early, there is growing concern about a potential lockout in 2026 if negotiations fail. Sabally emphasized the need to prioritize current players' salaries, benefits, and roster size expansion over the league's planned team expansions to Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia by 2030. Despite supporting league growth, she stressed that expanding rosters from the current 12-player limit should come first to better support existing players who often face precarious job security. The WNBA's rising popularity and record viewership add pressure to address key player issues fairly. Sabally's stance highlights ongoing tensions between the league and players as they negotiate amid rapid expansion and increasing commercial success.