Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks.

We’re about a week away from the “start” of the 2026 WNBA season and there doesn’t seem to by any imminent agreements on a new CBA. But as the WNBPA continues the fight, one of their top ranking members has a warning for all parties.

According to Alexa Philippou, Los Angeles Sparks star and WNBPA vice president Kelsey Plum has warned that a strike would become “the worst thing for both sides.” She made it clear that she and all of the players want to get back on the court, but that if there is no revenue, nobody will get any money at all.

“I want to play, and players want to play. Obviously we’re going to continue to negotiate and do everything we possibly can to get this done in a timely fashion. But obviously a strike would be the worst thing for both sides,” Plum said. “Because we are in a revenue [share system], so no revenue, no revenue to share.”

No Sympathy?

Basketball fans have been highly critical of the WNBA and especially the WNBPA for their handling of the situation. Many feel that the WNBPA should simply take what the owners give them and be grateful that they get anything at all, while others believe that the players have overplayed their own leverage:

“When it’s over there really should be consideration of a new executive board on WNBAPA. It’s hard to take them seriously when they have ownership in other leagues, etc,” one user wrote.

“A strike is the last and worst thing they want to do. Here’s a novel idea…take the deal. What are they waiting on? It doesn’t look like a better offer is coming,” wrote another.

“Kelsey Plum coming to her senses after being an idiot since all star weekend. The players have zero leverage and are finally realizing that. The public will not care if they go on strike. That card is now out of the hand,” a third remarked.

Kelsey Plum at the Olympics.
PARIS, FRANCE – AUGUST 11: Kelsey Plum #5 of Team United States celebrates while wearing the American flag after her team’s victory against Team France during the Women’s Gold Medal game between Team France and Team United States on day sixteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Bercy Arena on August 11, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Elsa/Getty Images

There’s significant speculation that if the WNBA does not play a season in 2026, the league itself may go belly-up. The WNBA has lots and lots of contracts and sponsors that it has to appease. If there’s no season, many of those deals could be breached or pulled – and some might not come back.

Suffice it to say, a deal needs to get done sooner than later.