The WNBPA announced Thursday that its members have voted overwhelmingly to authorize calling a strike "when necessary" during the ongoing negotiations between the players association and the WNBA on a new collective bargaining agreement.
"The players have spoken," the WNBPA said in a statement. "Through a decisive vote with historic participation, our membership has authorized the WNBPA's Executive Committee to call a strike when necessary. The players' decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams.
"Time and again, the players' thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades. The players' vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players' confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.
"Let it be known. The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future."
The decision on whether to strike is now in the hands of the seven players who make up the WNBPA executive committee. They are president Nneka Ogwumike, first vice president Kelsey Plum, vice president Napheesa Collier, vice president Breanna Stewart, vice president Alysha Clark, secretary Elizabeth Williams and treasurer Brianna Turner.
A strike would mark the first labor stoppage of any kind in WNBA history. The league and its players are still ahead of the schedule compared with completing past CBA negotiations, including one in 2003 that wasn't resolved until April, shortly before a deadline set by the WNBA to avoid canceling that season's scheduled play.
Despite the WNBPA agreeing to extend the CBA from its original Oct. 31 deadline, first through Nov. 30 and more recently through Jan. 9, the two sides have remained far apart in negotiations, and the tone struck by players indicates their unhappiness with the process.
"While we acknowledge the players' right to authorize a future work stoppage, we strongly disagree with the WNBPA's characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table," the WNBA said in a statement. "It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are proposing numerous CBA modifications including significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth.
"The league remains steadfast in its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible and delivering a 30th season for the players, fans, teams, and partners. We have negotiated in good faith and with urgency, and remain focused on finalizing a new collective bargaining agreement that not only meaningfully enhances player pay, benefits, and experience, but also does so in a way that ensures the long-term growth of the game and the league's capacity to serve the next generation of WNBA players."
During last week's USA Basketball camp, Los Angeles Sparks All-Star Plum called talks "a little bit disheartening, just the frustration in the negotiation and how far away we are."
According to the WNBPA's news release, 93% of eligible players participated in the vote and 98% of that group voted in favor of authorizing a strike. The extensions to the CBA have included a provision giving either side the ability to terminate them with 48 hours' notice, at which point the WNBPA could initiate a strike or the league could lock out the players.
ESPN's Alexa Philippou contributed to this report.