As the WNBA expands, Chicago Sky players are looking ahead to new CBA after rejecting the league’s 1st offer

The WNBA announced a major expansion, adding new teams in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit over the next five years, joining previously announced teams in Toronto and Portland.

Players like Chicago Sky center and WNBPA secretary Elizabeth Williams view this rapid growth, which includes record viewership, attendance, and revenue, as a sign that their demands in the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations are justified. The players union rejected the league's initial CBA proposal, arguing that the league's expansion and success should benefit players universally.

Williams stated that the league's booming business indicates the players' requests are not unrealistic. While expansion is a long-term league goal, initial reactions to the new cities were mixed; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham expressed skepticism about Detroit and Cleveland, drawing criticism.

However, Sky players Angel Reese and Williams voiced enthusiasm for the new teams, citing the rich women's basketball history in Detroit and Cleveland and Philadelphia's passionate sports fans. Despite excitement about league growth and creating more opportunities for players, Reese and Williams emphasized their focus remains on the CBA negotiations.

The expansion news coincided with the league presenting its first CBA offer. Phoenix Mercury player representative Satou Sabally described the initial offer as a "slap in the face," while Williams used softer language but agreed there remains a significant gap between the league's proposal and player expectations.