“We sitting out”: WNBA stars Angel Reese and DiJonai Carrington signal potential strike amid looming CBA talks

WNBA starsAngel Reese and DiJonai Carrington have recently hinted at a potential strike if the upcoming CBA talk do not meet their demands. The WNBA has been experiencing unprecedented growth. The soaring ratings and increased fan engagement, and a major media deal set to inject billions into the league. However, several players are concerned about the WNBA over the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Two of the league’s rising stars, Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky and DiJonai Carrington of the Dallas Wings, recently discussed the possibility of a player strike. On Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically Angel, they shared that if the league fails to meet their demands, players are ready to take action.

“I need to be in the [players’ union] meetings because I’m hearing that if [the league] don’t give us what we want, we’re sitting out,” Reese stated.
“That’s a possibility, for real,” Carrington agreed.
The WNBPA made waves last year by opting out of the existing CBA, which was originally set to run through 2027. This move accelerates negotiations, as the current agreement will now expire at the end of the 2025 season. That means both sides have just one year to reach a new deal.
The current pay structure has been a major point of contention. Even high-profile rookies like Reese openly admitted that their WNBA salaries contribute little to their overall income.
“I just hope y’all know, the WNBA don’t pay my bills at all. I don’t even think it pays one of my bills. Literally,” Reese previously revealed on Instagram Live.
It is no secret that Rees has been one of the most marketable athletes in the league, but her rookie salary under the current CBA was just $73,439— far below what she makes from endorsements. The imbalance is so stark that she joked about her financial situation, saying, “I’m living beyond my means,” after revealing her $8,000 monthly rent.
In the podcast, the duo didn’t hold back in addressing the negative stereotypes that continue to plague female athletes, particularly in basketball. “They complained and said that WNBA players are too manly, not feminine enough,” she stated. "We don't dress cute enough. They don't want to watch a bunch of little boys running around the court.”
“Now we are doing too much,” Reese added, to which Carrington bluntly responded, “So it’s like… pick.”
Also Read: NBA insider gives major Karl-Anthony Towns injury update ahead of New York Knicks vs LA Clippers showdown
Reese also called out negative comments targeting WNBA players' fashion choices, hairstyles, and even their personal lives. Carrington reacted to Reese’s mention of dating within the league, “But the rest of it is not true. When we do the opposite, we’re the problem.”