“Respect both sides”: Caitlin Clark sends clear message to WNBPA as contentious CBA negotiations threaten WNBA’s future – Source: Imagn

“I don’t understand why we don’t just get in a room and iron it out and shake hands,” Clark said. “That’s how business is. You look each other in the eye, you shake hands, you respect both sides. For me, that’s what I would love to see.”

The CBA negotiations between the league and the WNBAPA have stretched well past the original deadline, with the latest target date now set for March 10. However, with no agreement in sight, the WNBA’s future remains in jeopardy, prompting Caitlin Clark to send a clear message on Saturday.

The Indiana Fever star offered her honest take on the CBA discussion during the Team USA camp for the upcoming FIBA qualifiers, urging the players’ association and the league to find a suitable compromise.

“I don’t understand why we don’t just get in a room and iron it out and shake hands,” Clark said. “That’s how business is. You look each other in the eye, you shake hands, you respect both sides. For me, that’s what I would love to see.”

The CBA negotiations have been ongoing for over 18 months, and despite the deadline being postponed multiple times, the two sides have yet to find common ground.

While most aspects of the CBA have reportedly been agreed upon, revenue sharing remains the key sticking point in the talks.

According to reports, the league wants to maintain a revenue system similar to the previous CBA, while the WNBAPA is pushing for a model that includes a share of the league’s revenue from broadcasting rights.

Following months of stalled negotiations, there had been hope of settling in time to avoid any delays to the 2026 season.

The final deadline to prevent disruptions is now set for March 10, and if an impasse remains, the WNBA season, originally scheduled to begin on May 8, could be delayed indefinitely.

WNBA insider explains why Caitlin Clark has offered limited remarks on the CBA negotiations

Despite being the face of the league, Caitlin Clark has remained tight-lipped on the CBA negotiations, offering only limited comments on the situation. While this muted approach has irked many, WNBA insider Annie Costabile believes there may be a deeper reason.

During an appearance on the Yahoo Sports Daily show, Costabile shared her candid views on Clark’s limited remarks regarding the CBA.

“I get what you’re saying in the sense of, ‘Caitlin is the face of the league, she has power, when she speaks, people listen.’ That’s very valid,” Costabile said. “I think the people leading these negotiations are not necessarily asking that of her.

“And so, if you’re Caitlin, is it your job to supersede player leadership?”

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While Clark may have seemed quiet about the CBA negotiations, the Fever guard has spoken openly about the issue when asked, saying she believes the deal should have been agreed upon by now.