During mid-to-late 2025, major rumors were going around about the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) possibly shutting down because the WNBPA rejected the current CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) for more money. This even caused a strike in December that forced WNBA players to not participate in the next season until the CBA and WNBPA come to an agreement; however, a lockout, where the owners shut down the team practices and games, is not always the best thing to do in this situation.
Since 1996 upon their creation, the WNBA has been losing money. In fact, the WNBA loses 10 million dollars per year. They are losing money because the NBA owns the WNBA and splits 60% of their income. The WNBA has a structural financial imbalance where revenue doesn’t cover significant operating costs, especially player salaries and recent big-ticket expenses like charter flights. Despite growing interest and sponsorship, it hasn’t equated to more financial stability.
Furthermore, believe it or not though it loses money, the WNBA has grown in popularity since Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese have entered the league; therefore, if they do shut down, it could ruin their current fanbase momentum. These three women got most of their popularity from college and their major achievements while playing in college. Caitlin Clark has the most points of all time for women’s college basketball with some calling her the “female curry”.
Angel Reese didn’t have many major accomplishments in the NCAA as Clark, but won a national championship with LSU (Louisiana State University) against Clark in 2023, boosting her status along with Clark. Both of these women have been a big part of the WNBA’s rapidly growing fanbase.
Paige Bueckers was in the same high school graduate class as Clark and Reese. She also didn’t have any major accomplishments, but fans have fallen in love with her game due to her generational talent (elite scoring, defense, clutch plays), her humble and positive personality, her unselfish teamwork, and her ability to inspire and empower others. Her fans are patiently waiting for her to get to the WNBA.
Additionally, by losing money every year, the WNBA finds it hard to gain more sponsorship deals and also struggles to grow their game globally like the NBA, even though it inspires other girls that play basketball and want to play at a high level like college and the WNBA. Best of luck to the WNBA, and let’s hope they come to an agreement with the CBA soon.
