Napheesa Collier, the standout player for the Minnesota Lynx, has recently addressed accusations regarding a potential conflict of interest as she and fellow WNBA star Breanna Stewart negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement on behalf of the Players Association. The critique arose from concerns that their involvement in the Unrivaled league, a 3-on-3 women’s basketball competition, could compromise their commitment to the WNBA.
In her response on social media platform X, Collier expressed her disbelief at the suggestion that she and Stewart are conspiring for a work stoppage that could lead to decreased earnings for WNBA players. Collier defended her position, highlighting the absurdity of the accusation with a sarcastic tone and emojis.
This discourse underscores the tension surrounding labor negotiations in the WNBA, particularly as the league and the union appear to be at an impasse. Collier reaffirmed her previous statements that a lockout is not desired among players, but acknowledged the necessity of being prepared for any scenario.
Breanna Stewart echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the disparity between the union’s proposals and the league’s responses, noting that they seem to be operating on “completely different sides.” She expressed hopes that negotiations would start to gain momentum, particularly with a significant meeting planned during the All-Star weekend in Indianapolis.
The upcoming season of Unrivaled is set to launch in January 2026, a time frame that may align with the resolution—or continuation—of labor discussions within the WNBA. Players are hopeful that they can navigate these challenges while finishing the current season strongly.
The landscape of women’s basketball is evolving, and as interest grows, so do the stakes for the players involved. The potential for success stands as a testament to their resilience and determination to improve their league and opportunities.