It’s gut-check time for the WNBA and its players, as less than a week remains until the current collective bargaining agreement expires. After catching up on the latest coaching hires in Dallas and Seattle, Zena, Sabreena, and Ben set the stage for the CBA deadline, explaining why the players opted out, what issues are at play, and how tensions have risen. Then, Sabreena and Ben speak with Erin D. Drake, senior advisor and legal counsel for the players’ union, the WNBPA, for a peek behind the curtains on negotiations – discussing where things currently stand, and what pathways exist if a deal is not reached by Friday. 

REFERENCES: 

More than 70 legislators, including Zohran Mamdani, sign letter in support of WNBA players union by Ben Pickman

Sonia Raman agrees to deal to become Seattle Storm’s head coach: Sources by Ben Pickman

WNBA mailbag: CBA negotiation, free agency and expansion draft answers by Ben Pickman

We’re putting together a couple of mailbag episodes! Got thoughts or questions about the CBA? Curious about college hoops? Send them our way — we want to hear from you! Email us at NoOffseason@theathletic.com

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Show Links:

-YouTube:  @No-Offseason 

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Credits:

-Zena on BlueSky: @zenakeita

-Ben on BlueSky: @benpickman

-Sabreena on BlueSky: @sabreenajm

-Chantel on BlueSky: @chanteljennings

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