Caitlin Clark has described the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the WNBA and its players as the “biggest moment in the history of the WNBA”. The Indiana Fever star made the comments on Friday during a Team USA training camp at Duke University, where she is preparing for her senior national team debut under head coach Kara Lawson.
Clark, one of 10 newcomers to the squad, stressed the importance of reaching a deal that benefits both players and the league. “This is the biggest moment the WNBA has ever seen, and it’s not something that can be messed up,” she told reporters. “We’re going to fight for everything that we deserve, but at the same time, we need to play basketball. That’s what our fans crave.”
The current CBA negotiations, which focus on increased salaries and revenue sharing, have already seen two deadline extensions, with the new deadline set for 9 January. Clark, who is entering her third WNBA season, has been educating herself on the key issues by speaking with Team USA managing director Sue Bird and Fever teammate Brianna Turner, who sits on the negotiating committee.
“It’s business, it’s a negotiation. There has to be compromise on both sides,” Clark said. “It’s starting to get down to the wire a little bit. It’s become really important. Obviously I want to help in any way I can.” The 23-year-old, who became the all-time leading scorer in women’s college basketball at Iowa, has been credited with boosting WNBA viewership and attendance since her rookie season.
