When Caitlin Clark entered the pros, she brought an appalling amount of eyeballs with her. This progression resulted in a meteoric surge in viewership numbers, with a 76% surge in ticket sales and a whopping 3.44 million views during the 2024 All-Star event. Besides, the $2.2 million media deal was the cherry on the cake. That is why Napheesa Collier said, “The atmosphere of women’s sports is changing, and we think we need to get paid accordingly,” heading into the 2025-26 season. While the players had already agreed on a pay raise, the league had other plans.

As the co-vice President of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), Collier voiced her opinion on the salary hike. While she emphasized the need for higher pay, the association called for a fair revenue-sharing model. But when more than 40 players met in the historic CBA talks, the result was far from promising. “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 WNBPA unveiled. With the issue still a bone of contention between players’ and the league’s aspirations, another development caught the fans’ attention today.

WNBA Central took to social media and shared some glaring news surrounding the league. Sharing a poster of Alyssa Thomas, the account took to X (former Twitter) and wrote, “The WNBA and WNBAPA are approaching a season lockout, as they are very unlikely to come to a collective bargaining agreement for next season by October.” The latest developments suggest a lockout season ahead. This is a desperate measure from the higher officials to ensure that the involved parties conclude the deal.

A lockout season refers to a period of possibly months when the preseason and the new season’s start gets halted until the players, teams and the league come to an agreement. Players don’t have access to facilities, trainers or staff during this period and the teams can’t sign, trade or contact the player. If initiated, this move can aggravate financial troubles for the franchises and the players involved. Besides, it will spill Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s expansion plans and adversely affect the upcoming draft.

The Executive Director of the WNBPA broke her silence in the wake of this grave hindsight. “The players are working diligently to achieve a transformational CBA that builds on the growth, momentum, and positive news surrounding women’s sports and the W.” Terri Carmichael Jackson said. Speaking on the players’ behalf, Terri confessed how the WNBPA is trying to work in accordance with the league to reach a mutual consensus surrounding the pay sentiment.

“As we approach the 60-day mark, the league’s lack of urgency leaves players wondering if it is focused on making this work or just running out the clock.” Jackson added. “Fans do not want that. They are with the players in demanding a new standard for the W.” The growing buzz around the potential lockout has already sparked a wave of fan support for Caitlin Clark.

WNBA Community Comes in Support of Caitlin Clark

“The way the WNBA players treated Caitlin demonstrates how woke they are, and I don’t care if the WNBA cancels itself,” a user wrote. Caitlin Clark has been the recipient of some harsh treatment and physical play from opposing players this season. This angered several fans. But with the WNBA refusing the players’ proposal, the user expressed their nonchalance surrounding the league’s upcoming lockout and consequent year-long absence.

While the league is projected to earn over $1 billion in revenue this year, the players earn less than 10% of the amount. Despite the massive revenue, the W is not ready to part with the amount equally, just yet. This mindset led to several fans and followers advising Clark to continue her profession overseas. And what better opportunity than the upcoming lockout! “Then they get zip and CC is off to Europe!” a person commented.

As one fan urged Clark and her team to leave the franchise for good, “Caitlin and all the Indiana team should go to Europe until the refs stop the thug elbows, eye poking, etc,” another user also shared the same sentiment. “I guess I’ll watch Caitlin in the Euro league.” After a physical season aggravated the guard’s injuries and forced her to the sidelines, fans requested her to participate in Euro League and EuroCup tournaments instead.

Not only will the star be safe from being physically attacked, but fans feel that she might receive the right kind of attention and respect in the European circles, instead. Another user took to X and wrote, “Honestly, Caitlin doesn’t need this bulls–t. Build her own league and it’ll make money.” Other users suggested Clark to start her own league. But as Clark and other athletes continue to fight for their rights, it will be exciting to watch if the W complies with their wishes.