Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC – Saturday, March 7, 2026, DWC Chair Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), DWC Policy Co-Chair Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), DWC Member Lori Trahan (MA-03), DWC Member Angie Craig (MN-02), DWC Equality Caucus Liaison Julie Johnson (TX-32), and Rep. Greg Stanton (AZ-04), sent a follow up letter to the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) urging them to negotiate in good faith and requesting an update from the league on the status of negotiations with the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA). In the letter, the Members expressed concern about the league’s failure to reach an agreement with the WNBPA ahead of the rapidly approaching season and the little movement on key components of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) such as revenue sharing. They also warned that uncertainty surrounding negotiations so close to the start of the season could create instability for players, fans, and communities that host WNBA teams. 

DWC and House Democrats first sent a letter to the WNBA on September 9, 2025 urging the league to reach a fair collective bargaining agreement (CBA) before the original October 31, 2025 deadline. The WNBA did not formally respond. 

In the letter, Members explained that it’s critical for the WNBA to make a deal with the WNBPA to the continue the advancement of women’s sports:

“We, as members of the Democratic Women’s Caucus and House Democratic Caucus, have a  strong interest in the continued growth and long-term success of women’s sports, the fair  treatment of women athletes, and the economic impact of the WNBA in many of our Members’  communities. The WNBA’s recent expansion, record viewership, and rising fan engagement  underscore the league’s growing influence. Maintaining this momentum is important for the  continued advancement of women’s sports.”

The Members also highlighted the negative impact that a failure to come to a deal could have on players, fans, and communities that host WNBA teams, including the economic impact on host cities:

“Furthermore, we are deeply concerned that uncertainty surrounding negotiations so close to the  start of the season could create instability for players, fans, and communities that host WNBA  teams. Games and related events support local economies by providing jobs for arena and  hospitality staff and increasing tourism and patronage of small businesses in host cities. Any disruption to the season could have ripple effects for these workers and businesses, particularly at a time when many families are already facing economic pressures.”

The members closed by requesting a prompt update on the status of negotiations and the league’s efforts to reach an agreement before the season begins, emphasizing the importance that the league proceed in a manner consistent with federal labor law and the betterment of women’s sports.