From 1997, the year the WNBA played its first season, to 2002, NBC aired WNBA games. After a gap of over two decades, it is once again returning in the mix while the league continues to make history one season after another. NBC’s return to the WNBA is a part of a multi-billion-dollar deal that the NBA signed in 2023. However, as the broadcasting company announced on social media, fans had a different concern.

The promotional video featured some of the biggest WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese. “IYKYK. The WNBA is coming to NBC and Peacock!” the post announced on Sunday. The timing of the announcement comes at an interesting time. NBC announced its return when there was a real threat of a strike by players amid the Collective Bargaining Agreement standoff.

Negotiations for a new agreement between the WNBA and its players have been ongoing since the All-Star break last season. The players’ concerns contributed to their inability to reach an agreement by the October deadline. It was claimed by many that the WNBA’s offer was insulting. A fan made fun of NBC because the negotiation hadn’t concluded. Fans largely believe players should receive fair compensation before the league considers releasing its schedule on various platforms.

Fans skeptical of the agreement on WNBA CBA amid NBC announcement

The WNBA has already released its calendar for the 2026 WNBA season. However, there are still questions about whether the season will start on time or at all amid the CBA standoff between the league and the players. In the last few months, a lot of meetings have already taken place between the league and the players. However, there is still no agreement reached. For a fan, before the airing and schedule announcement, fairly paying the players should take precedence. “Is there a CBA where the players get their money’s worth?” the fan asked.

The rage from the hardcore fan base was not an unexpected turn. Fans have sided with players. Remember the All-Star Game, when thousands of fans in the arena shouted ” Pay them!” when Cathy Engelbert walked on the court to give the MVP award to Napheesa Collier. A season-ticket holder wanted fair pay for players and was in full support of the strike by the players. “Not if the league doesn’t get serious about paying the players. I’m a season ticket holder and fully support a work stoppage if that’s what’s necessary for the players to get a CBA that appropriately values their labor,” the fan wrote.

According to the latest reports, the WNBA has given a list of fresh proposals to the players. According to Alexa Philippou, the fresh list of bargaining proposals includes “concessions on housing and facility standards. However, according to Philippou, it still didn’t include the sharing of the revenue, which remains the most contentious part of the rift in the negotiations. Fans across platforms have supported players getting their fair pay. “Will the WNBA pay the players what they deserve first?!” a fan echoed the same demand.

In her exit interview last year, Napheesa Collier shocked the basketball world. She openly blasted WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and revealed the behind-the-scenes conversations about the CBA negotiations. Queen Phee’s comments had a hyperbolic impact, and fans and athletes across the sports came in her support. Collier remains the most trusted voice among players and fans. “Did President Phee tell you that?!? I don’t believe it will bookie,” a fan mocked NBC in the comments.

Several star players have expressed that they would want to play in the 2026 WNBA season. From Clark and Stewart to WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, all have expressed their desire to play next season. However, that doesn’t mean that these stars would get on the court to deliver if the negotiations are not reached. A fan had a practical suggestion to NBC, saying, “then maybe you need to have a mediator in the room with the league and the players, in order to ensure you have a product to air.”

As of today, the WNBA and players still don’t have an agreement. With every month going out of the window, both parties have to find an agreement, and maybe very soon.