DURHAM, N.C. — Caitlin Clark understands the gravity of the WNBA’s current collective bargaining negotiations, calling it the “biggest moment in the history” of the league that debuted in 1997, five years before she was born.
“It’s not something that can be messed up,” the Indiana Fever guard, a WNBA All-Star in both of her pro seasons to date, said after her opening practice Friday at USA Basketball’s weekend camp for its women’s program at Duke University.
“We’re going to fight for everything we deserve, but at the same time we need to play basketball,” Clark said, acknowledging the possibility of a work stoppage with missed games for the league that generally tips off in May. “That’s what our fans crave. You want the product on the floor. At the end of the day, that’s how you’re marketable, that’s what the fans want to show up for. “
WNBA players and owners are currently in negotiations and meeting regularly. They extended a Nov. 30 deadline until Jan. 9 a few weeks ago. Increased salaries and revenue sharing are two big areas the sides aren’t close on.
The league offered a max salary that would have a guaranteed a $1 million base, with projected revenue sharing pushing total earnings for max players to more than $1.2 million in 2026, according to a person familiar with the negotiations. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Nov. 30 on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the negotiations. The person confirmed Friday that the numbers were still accurate but could go up in the negotiations.
“It’s business, it’s a negotiation. There has to be compromise on both sides. It’s starting to get down to the wire a little bit. Obviously I want to help in anyway I can,” said Clark, who was the No. 1 pick of the 2024 WNBA draft and that season’s rookie of the year after a record-seting collegiate career with the Iowa Hawkeyes. “There are different things that we can say, ‘We deserve that and aren’t going to compromise that,’ and other things that we can probably compromise on.
“Like I said, this is the biggest moment in the history of the WNBA and I don’t want that to be forgotten.”
Clark, who has helped bring so much attention to the league over the past two years — despite playing in just 13 games in 2025 as injuries cost her most of her second season with the Fever — has been educating herself on key issues as well as talking to members of the negotiating team, including Indiana teammate Brianna Turner.
Clark went to a meeting during WNBA All-Star weekend but hasn’t been to one since.
U.S. teammate Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, who has also helped bring more attention to the league since she was a rookie in 2024, appreciates what the union negotiators are doing.
“The vets have done a great job speaking up for us,” Reese said before making specific references to Napheesa Collier, Nneka Ogwumike and Satou Sabally and saying that “all of them have done a great job. They are doing it for our generation and the next to come. It’s going back and forth, but it’s really important for us to continue to be involved, collectively coming together and being one and not stopping until we get everything we want.”
Los Angeles Sparks point guard Kelsey Plum, the No. 1 pick of the 2017 draft, is part of that executive committee for the union and has been active in the negotiations. The four-time WNBA All-Star and two-time league champion been a bit disappointed by the lack of progress.
“To be honest, it’s been disheartening, frustration in the negotiation and how far away we are,” she said. “What I’m proud of is we play with a group of women who are united and are standing on something. It’s not just about us, it’s about the future and women in general. Fighting for what needs to be done. Stand on that and chip away, and hopefully get to something that we’re really proud of.”
Beyond the CBA talk, it’s an important for multiple players, including Clark, Reese and 2025 top draft pick and rookie of the year Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings. All three are taking part in senior-level USA Basketball work for the first time.
The average age of the 17 players at the camp is just older than 25.
Friday marked Clark’s first time playing competitively in nearly five months, and she said she was back to 100%.
“I was a little nervous. I haven’t been out here in a while. It’s certainly fun to lace them up and be in a competitive practice,” Clark said. “Obviously it’s a lot different. I’ve been working out and playing pickup (games), but to be in an environment like this — I need to knock off a little bit of rust. My body feels really good. I feel like I’m in a good spot.”
Clark left an impression on U.S. coach Kara Lawson, the head coach of Duke’s women’s program.
“She’s a terrific player, really locked in and focused,” Lawson said. “I thought she looked good on both ends. And I thought that she hadn’t missed a beat.”