NEW YORK — The WNBA is heading into the playoffs with excitement and anticipation, but behind the scenes, a storm is brewing that could threaten the very future of the league. In a candid new interview, New York Liberty superstar Breanna Stewart dropped a bombshell on the basketball world, warning that the 2026 WNBA season could be in jeopardy due to ongoing labor disputes and the looming expiration of the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Stewart’s comments, made during a recent appearance on the up-and-coming “Welcome to the Party” podcast, have sent shockwaves through the WNBA community. The interview, which has quickly gained traction among fans and insiders, revealed deep frustrations among players regarding revenue sharing, player benefits, and the league’s overall direction.

Stewart Sounds the Alarm

As the WNBA gears up for its playoff run, Stewart’s words have cast a shadow over what should be a celebratory time for women’s basketball. “It is not looking good for the 2026 WNBA season,” Stewart said, citing ongoing negotiations that have yet to yield progress on key issues like revenue sharing, family planning, player housing, and pensions for former players.

Stewart, who sits on the board of both the WNBA Players Association and the new Unrivaled basketball league, expressed concern that the inability to reach an agreement could result in a lockout—a first in WNBA history. “Everybody’s like, ‘Wow, this might actually create a lockout.’ We’re really not gonna come to terms right now,” she admitted.

The possibility of a lockout has fans and players alike worried about the future of the league—and whether stars like Caitlin Clark, who has electrified audiences this season, will even take the court next year.

The Stakes: Money, Expansion, and Media Deals

The backdrop to Stewart’s comments is a rapidly changing financial landscape for the WNBA. Recent expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia each paid a staggering $250 million in franchise fees, while the Golden State Valkyries shelled out $50 million in 2023. Meanwhile, a new media rights deal worth $2.2 billion is set to reshape the league’s revenue streams.

Despite these promising financial developments, Stewart noted that negotiations have stalled over fundamental issues. “It’s really frustrating to me that we haven’t been able to even come to an agreement as far as revenue share, because then we haven’t talked about anything else important,” she said.

As the league prepares for expansion drafts, the lottery, and free agency, Stewart warned that delays in finalizing the CBA could throw the entire process into chaos. “If the CBA is not done, then none of the free agency happens and the entire league is a free agent because everybody wants to be making sure they’re capitalizing on what is potentially going to be higher salaries.”

Unrivaled: Leverage or Lifeline?

One of the most startling revelations from Stewart’s interview was her admission that the new Unrivaled league—a three-on-three basketball league she co-founded with Napheesa Collier—was created as leverage against the WNBA in ongoing negotiations. “We want to have an opportunity to pay the players what they deserve, keep the players home, keep the players in a marketable environment,” Stewart explained.

But the move has sparked controversy. Some fans worry that Unrivaled could divide the player base and undermine the WNBA’s unity at a critical moment. “You mean to tell me y’all wanted to create this league to hurt all the other damn players?” questioned one commentator. “Like, what if players don’t want to do Unrivaled? If I’m Caitlin Clark, I’m mad as hell.”

Others see Unrivaled as a necessary step to force the WNBA’s hand and secure better conditions for current and future players. As Stewart put it, “We’re not knocking on old doors anymore because we’re going to build our own house.”

The Human Side: Players Caught in the Middle

Stewart’s frustration is shared by many players, who feel caught between their commitment to their teams and their need to advocate for better working conditions. “When we go into playoffs, I’m not doing extra stuff like brand partnerships, anything like that, because I want to be locked in for my team,” Stewart said. “The WNBA can’t be mad at us for being locked in where our team is and focus on winning a championship and not able to be in as many meetings.”

The timing of negotiations during the playoffs has made it nearly impossible for players to fully engage in the process, leaving critical decisions in limbo as the league’s most important games unfold.

What’s Next for the WNBA?

With no previous lockout in WNBA history—the only disruption being the COVID-19 bubble season—the current situation is unprecedented. Stewart and other players hope for a last-minute breakthrough, perhaps an extension that would allow negotiations to continue into the offseason. But even an extension could delay key events like the expansion draft, rookie draft, and free agency, with ripple effects throughout the league.

The stakes are high. The WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, driven by new stars, historic media deals, and major investments from expansion teams. But without a fair and transparent agreement between players and owners, the league’s momentum could grind to a halt.

Final Thoughts: A League at a Crossroads

The WNBA stands at a crossroads. On one side is the promise of growth, new fans, and financial stability. On the other is the threat of labor unrest, divided loyalties, and a potential lockout that could rob fans of seeing their favorite players—including Caitlin Clark and Breanna Stewart—on the court.

As Stewart’s interview makes clear, the issues at stake go beyond dollars and cents. They touch on the very future of women’s basketball, the rights and well-being of players, and the legacy of those who built the league from the ground up.

Fans, players, and league officials alike are left with one burning question: Can the WNBA find common ground before it’s too late?