The WNBA’s rise since its inception isn’t random. It came from the sweat of generations, and that breakthrough in 2024 was a pure cultural shift. As Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese walked in from the front door, the league captured everyone’s attention more than ever before, securing a historic $2.2 billion media rights deal. The players continued drawing crowds, and that surge hasn’t slowed. This season, the energy has only ascended, driven by the inclusion of the Golden State Valkyries and a rookie class blessed with generational stars like Paige Bueckers. But as the W strides ahead with expansion plans, growing pains are surfacing, and Bueckers, within months into the system, is blurting out the hard words to define it.

The WNBA and its players met on Thursday. The aim was to review and negotiate the upcoming arrangements between both sides, marking an in-person meeting for the first time since December. What set this meeting apart was a historic turnover of more than 40 players representing the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA)! The largest in-person player turnout in union history during CBA negotiations.

In fact, Paige Bueckers joined WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike and Vice-President Breanna Stewart and marked her CBA negotiations debut in Indianapolis ahead of EssentiallySports’ exclusive coverage of the All-Star Weekend. While the Wings rookie’s presence signified her major commitment to the league’s development, the recent talks turned out to be a major disappointment for Bueckers, as reports from insiders suggest.

Journalist Drake Keeler, retweeting a Front Office Sports post, highlighted the rookie’s statement on X through a post that read, “Wings rookie Paige Bueckers quoted here calling the league’s CBA counter-proposal ‘disrespectful’.” Dallas-based reporter Grand Afseth confirmed the same: “Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers was among the 40 WNBA players who attended the league’s in-person CBA discussion. She was among those left unimpressed by the proposal, calling it ‘disrespectful’.” And surely she isn’t the only one dissatisfied.

Breanna Stewart staightaway said “no” when asked about any progress being made, calling out the ton of “fluff” in the meeting agenda. “I think yesterday’s meeting was good for the fact that we could be in the same room as the league and the Board of Governors. But, I think, to be frank, it was a wasted opportunity,” Stewart continued.

The CBA and WNBA sat down with the athletes to discuss multiple topics ahead of the expiration. However, several important negotiations went unresolved, the major one being the revenue sharing and salary growth of athletes. In a statement, the WNBPA says, “The WNBA’s response to our proposals fails to address the priorities we’ve voiced…we will not stop until we achieve the transformational CBA this moment demands.”

The press-release by the union further highlighted their dissatisfaction, stating: “The WNBA’s response to our proposals fails to address the priorities we’ve voiced from the day we opted out: a transformational CBA that delivers our rightful share of the business that we’ve built, improves working conditions, and ensures the success we create lifts both today’s players and the generations that follow.”

This included a softer cap structure and, introduction of a luxury tax system. Besides, the union even asked for exceptions to accommodate maternity leave, injuries, safer travel accomodations, expanded retirement benefits, and a lot more. Talking about the revenue system, the players insisted on an equity-based revenue model, something similar to the NBA. 

According to the WNBPA, the model would effectively link a player’s salaries and cap increases to basketball-related income. While the NBA has a 50% share, the WNBA players receive only 9-10% of the total revenue shares. The revenue sharing would lead to an increase in the players’ salaries. However, the counter-proposal from the W led to a deadlock, and none of the parties could reach a conclusive decision. This left the players with a bitter taste, as the release further stated.

The players’ union has made it a point that the proposal falls short. They notice the gap in the booming media rights, ratings, revenue, team valuations, expansion fees, attendance, and ticket sales are all up in historic fashion, which isn’t reflecting on the payment for those who actually bring it. “The only thing more unsustainable than the current system is pretending it can go on forever. It’s not complicated. We are committed to the fight. We are committed to returning to the negotiating table. And we will not stop until we achieve the transformational CBA this moment demands.”

While the CBA talks were not fruitful for the union, the upcoming All-Star Game seems to be a positive distraction. As the country’s favorite basketball stars step into the city of Indianapolis ahead of this season’s event, it will be exciting to catch rookie Paige Bueckers share the court with some of the finest veterans in the W. 

Paige Bueckers shared her All-Star break plans

As we at EssentiallySports start the live coverage directly from Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the Dallas Wings rookie Paige Bueckers, along with the three rookies in the league, start their preparation to feature across the 2025 WNBA All-Star Weekend this season. But before the mid-season games begin, every player was met with the much-needed All-Star break. While Bueckers was looking forward to the games, she spilled the beans about her plans.

“Like a complete mental reset,” the guard began. “Reflecting on the first half of the season, how we can be better individually, how we can be better as a team. Also, I mean as much as you can try to get away a little bit. I know I’ll have family there, all former teammates there that are considered family to me. So, just spend some time away from them or with them from the game.”

Bueckers is clearly trying to use the break to recharge mentally and physically. Stepping away from the game can help avoid burnout for the athlete. Besides, it will give her time to rethink her performances in the first half of the season. Moreover, Bueckers wishes to utilize this time to splurge on her friends and family with her undivided attention. But here comes a warning.

“But just as much as you can try to rest, recover, but all at the same time, get your work in,” Bueckers added. Emphasizing the need to balance rest with training, the rookie feels that one must keep up with routine, especially practice, in order to maintain fitness. After all, the goal is to return with a refreshed mindset and a focused approach to the game. While Bueckers & Co. enjoy the much-needed break, the Indiana Fever is gearing up to host the All-Star games for the rookies and other stars.