Gabby Williams Talks About The New CBA Envisioned By WNBA Players

On the court, Gabby Williams has been focused on the Seattle Storm's playoff campaign. Aside from keeping her eye on the postseason, Williams has also been engaged with a pressing league-wide issue: the negotiations surrounding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Appearing earlier last week on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Williams offered a unique take on the CBA talks between the WNBA and the players’ union. According to the Storm forward, the players have a different perspective when it comes to the urgency of getting the CBA done right.

“I think the league is a bit focused on the next two years,” Williams said on national TV. “Yeah, we can improve salaries from where they are now, but we’re focused on the long run. We’re focused on the players who are going to be in this league even after we leave.”

Echoing the sentiments of her fellow WNBA players, the eight-year pro brought up one of the major sticking points in the CBA negotiations. “We have to improve our share of the revenue, and as long as the league focuses on that, we’ll be able to come to an understanding.”

Revenue sharing has been a hot topic in the league over the past year, as metrics like live attendance and viewership have pointed to an upward trend for the WNBA, both in terms of financial growth and cultural relevance. Thanks to the influx of new stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, interest in the WNBA has been undoubtedly renewed.

Despite this, the CBA talks have largely stalled; though the league has expressed willingness to make adjustments with some player perks, the matter of revenue and player wages continues to get in the way of a new CBA being finalized.

Williams, who has joined overseas leagues to supplement her income like many other players, is hoping that the WNBA can reconsider its position on this matter. The time to get things done, however, is running out.

The WNBA and the players’ union only have until October 31 to agree on a new deal. If both parties fail to do so, a lockout could be forthcoming in 2026, compromising the WNBA product and affecting players, fans, and league officials alike.

Williams is aware of this, but she also recognizes the far-reaching effects of the CBA being settled once and for all.

“It’ll benefit all women’s basketball players, all women’s athletes, for decades to come if we’re able to get this done correctly,” Williams asserted.