The WNBA and its players union exchanged new collective bargaining proposals over the weekend, but remain without an agreement ahead of Tuesday’s crucial deadline to protect the 2026 season schedule.
Nearly 18 months of negotiations have yet to produce a new deal for the league.
League officials previously informed the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) that an agreement must be reached by March 10 to avoid delaying the upcoming campaign.
Union questions pressure tactics
The players’ union has viewed the Tuesday cut-off as a negotiation tactic designed to force their hand.
Conversely, executives point to the severe revenue losses that both the organisation and individual franchises would face if the season is postponed.
With just 59 days until the scheduled May 8 tip-off, both sides swapped formal documents on Friday and Saturday evening.
Players demand in-person negotiations
High-profile figures within the sport are now calling for a physical meeting to resolve the outstanding issues.
Speaking at a USA Basketball camp in Miami, Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark expressed frustration at the standoff.
“I don’t understand why we don’t just get in a room and iron it out and shake hands,” Clark said.
“That’s how business is. You look each other in the eye, you shake hands, you respect both sides. For me, that’s what I would love to see.”
Stewart seeks immediate resolution
WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart echoed those sentiments, suggesting athletes are prepared for marathon talks.
“I think that would be great for us all to sit in a room until we really get it done,” the two-time WNBA champion said.
“If that means sitting in there for hours and hours at a time, let’s do it. That’s for the better of the player.”
Revenue sharing remains primary hurdle
The exact contents of the latest weekend proposals have not been leaked, hinting at the high-stakes nature of the current phase.
Historically, overall compensation and the equitable distribution of league income have been the most significant dividing lines between the two parties.
Previous offers showed a massive gap regarding revenue sharing and salary cap calculations.
The league recently proposed an average player share of over 70% of net revenue, alongside a significant salary cap increase to $5.75m for the 2026 season.
The UConn Huskies secured their 31st Big East tournament title with a dominant 90-51 victory over Villanova in Uncasville on Monday, moving just six wins away from a 13th NCAA championship and a seventh perfect season.
The reigning national champions now boast a flawless 34-0 record and a remarkable 50-game winning streak.
This latest triumph at the Mohegan Sun Arena marks their 12th consecutive conference tournament crown.
“There’s pressure everywhere you turn. It’s never as easy as it’s sometimes looked.”
Veteran coach Geno Auriemma admitted the weight of expectation remains heavy despite their sustained dominance.
Life after Bueckers
Many expected a slight decline in performance following the departure of Paige Bueckers to the professional ranks.
The standout guard went on to claim the 2025 WNBA Rookie of the Year award after leading her college side to a 37-3 record last season.
However, the current undefeated squad are statistically outperforming last year’s vintage.
“I don’t know how you can take one of the top players in the WNBA off your team and say you’re better.”
Auriemma was quick to caution observers when asked to compare the two formidable rosters.
“Now that doesn’t mean they’re not capable of playing at a real high level that matches what that team did last year.”
Strong lives up to the hype
A significant factor in their continued success has been the emergence of former top recruit Sarah Strong.
The daughter of former WNBA player Allison Feaster arrived in college with monumental expectations but has effortlessly lived up to her billing.
She dominated the previous Final Four, registering a combined 46 points and 23 rebounds in high-stakes victories against UCLA and South Carolina.
Following that 82-59 final defeat, Gamecocks coach Dawn Staley suggested the young prodigy could eventually become the greatest player in Connecticut history.
Focus shifts to national glory
Despite the confetti falling over the court, celebrations remained notably subdued among the players.
National championships remain the ultimate standard for the Storrs-based program, who refuse to cut down the nets for regional triumphs.
“Our work isn’t done yet.”
This was the blunt assessment from senior guard Azzi Fudd as the team immediately shifted their focus towards the upcoming playoffs.
Jalen Smith has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and bribery charges in Philadelphia after operating as a central fixer in a widespread NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme.
The Charlotte native appeared in federal court on Monday to admit his role in orchestrating rigged college matches during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
Prosecutors revealed the trainer used his professional scouting connections to recruit athletes with the promise of substantial cash payments in exchange for purposefully underperforming.
After securing agreements from the corrupted athletes, the scheme’s organisers would then place lucrative wagers against those compromised teams to defraud legitimate sportsbooks.
Sweeping federal investigation
Federal authorities unsealed charges against the North Carolina resident in January alongside 25 other individuals embroiled in the sprawling scandal.
This extensive group of indicted figures included 17 former college basketball players alongside four individuals who were still active on collegiate rosters this season.
More than a dozen athletes actively attempted to manipulate game outcomes as recently as last year, with some even assisting in the recruitment of their peers.
Cash deliveries and wire fraud
To avoid detection by financial institutions, the orchestrator frequently travelled across the country to meet corrupted players and deliver their illicit payments by hand.
This guilty plea represents a significant milestone in an ongoing federal crackdown aimed at preserving the integrity of American collegiate athletics.
Three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic has dismissed speculation about his basketball future by declaring his intention to spend the rest of his career with the Denver Nuggets.
The 6ft 11in center recently appeared on the Serbian podcast X&O’s CHAT to discuss his long-term plans on the court.
Despite his relaxed demeanour occasionally prompting rumours of an early exit from the sport, the eight-time All-Star insists he is far from finished.
“I want to play as long as I can,” stated the 2023 NBA champion.
“As long as I’m creating an advantage and I can play at the highest level.”
Finding peace in Colorado
Drafted 41st overall in 2014, the Sombor native has transformed into the focal point of the Denver offence and revolutionized the modern big man role.
He unequivocally rejected the idea of ever representing another franchise in the world’s premier basketball competition.
“I wouldn’t like to imagine that,” he explained when questioned about donning a different jersey.
“I really found peace here. My two kids were born here. Everyone’s here. Peace, home, I found my life here.”
The elite playmaker is currently averaging a triple-double, posting 28.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game this season.
Defending the NBA standard
Before making the leap to North America, the Serbian prodigy spent three seasons with Mega Vizura and captured the Adriatic League MVP award.
However, he possesses no desire to return to European competition for a career swansong.
“No. Nothing against EuroLeague or Europe, but I would not do it,” he confirmed.
The franchise cornerstone also took the opportunity to fiercely defend the defensive standards of the American league against its international critics.
“NBA is by far the best league in the world, with the best players,” he added.
He highlighted the scoring exploits of Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic in international tournaments to prove that scoring in America is no easier than overseas.
Duke, Michigan, Arizona and Florida lead the pursuit of the national title as 68 teams prepare to discover their NCAA Tournament fate this Sunday.
A thrilling five-month regular season has set the stage for one of the most highly anticipated bracket selections in recent memory.
While teams like Nebraska have enjoyed remarkable turnarounds, former heavyweights such as Auburn now face an anxious wait for a potential tournament lifeline.
Blue Devils dominate the elite tier
The undisputed number one team in America currently sits at the apex of the collegiate game.
Led by national player of the year favourite Cameron Boozer and coach Jon Scheyer, the Durham-based outfit boasts an extraordinary statistical profile.
The top-ranked side remains on pace to record the highest NET rating in nearly three decades.
However, recent injuries to Caleb Foster and Patrick Ngongba II could complicate their path to the championship.
Wolverines and Wildcats boast formidable records
Michigan remain a severe obstacle, having suffered defeats only against the tournament favourites and a rampant Wisconsin side.
The Ann Arbor programme occupies a stratosphere few rivals have managed to breach this campaign.
Meanwhile, Arizona bring unmatched depth to the postseason competition.
The Tucson-based roster joins the top two as the only programmes ranked in the top eight for both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Florida surge as UConn stumble
Reigning powerhouses UConn appeared secure among the top seeds before a regular-season finale defeat against Marquette.
That untimely loss has cast doubt over the Huskies’ ability to secure a third national crown in four years.
Florida have ruthlessly seized that vacated top-seed position on the back of a ten-game winning streak.
The surging Gators are mirroring the late momentum that propelled last year’s squad to ultimate glory.
Beyond these elite outfits, a phenomenal freshman class continues to headline the sport, featuring teenage prodigies expected to dominate the upcoming professional ranks.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the New York Knicks due to a left elbow contusion and foot arthritis.
It marks the second consecutive game the 41-year-old has missed, having also sat out Friday’s victory over the Indiana Pacers.
James sustained the elbow injury during the fourth quarter of Thursday’s 120-113 defeat by the Denver Nuggets.
Injury concerns for veteran
The four-time MVP fell to the floor after absorbing contact from Denver’s Nikola Jokic while scoring a layup.
Speaking after that loss, James described the immediate pain he felt on the court.
“It’s pretty sore right now. It felt like one of those funny bone situations, but like, super more intense.”
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers forward
This is the first time James has missed back-to-back matches since the opening 14 games of the 2025-26 campaign.
He began his record-setting 23rd season on the injured list because of sciatica affecting his lower back and right leg.
Impact on Lakers rotation
Despite his age, the veteran remains a crucial figure for Los Angeles, averaging 21.4 points with a 50.4% shooting accuracy this term.
He is also contributing 5.6 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game for the franchise.
The Lakers have managed to remain competitive in his absence, posting a 12-7 record without their talisman regarding games missed this season.
While James remains sidelined, head coach JJ Redick confirmed the team will receive a boost with the return of two key players.
Deandre Ayton and Maxi Kleber, who both missed the win against Indiana, have been cleared to play against New York.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has moved within touching distance of Wilt Chamberlain’s all-time NBA scoring record after leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to victory against the Golden State Warriors.
Chasing Chamberlain’s benchmark
The Canadian guard scored 27 points to help the defending champions secure a 104-97 win at the Paycom Center.
He has now scored at least 20 points in 125 consecutive games, a remarkable sequence of consistency that began on 1 November 2024.
NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain currently holds the record of 126 games, which was set between October 1961 and January 1963.
Gilgeous-Alexander can tie the long-standing mark against the Denver Nuggets on Monday before potentially breaking it against the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
Thunder first to 50 wins
Victory over Golden State was the Thunder’s fifth in a row, consolidating their position at the top of the Western Conference.
They have become the first team to reach 50 wins this season as they look to retain their NBA title.
The Warriors, who were without the injured Stephen Curry, rallied to cut the deficit to 99-97 late in the fourth quarter.
However, Gilgeous-Alexander settled the contest with a decisive three-pointer in the final minute.
Reflecting on the team’s ambition, the Thunder star emphasised their goal to repeat last year’s success.
“If we were the best team last year, all year, we win a championship, and we get better, we should put ourselves in great position to repeat.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
He added: “This year’s had a little bit more ups and downs for us, but I think we’ve done a pretty good job keeping that front of mind.”
Nets stun Eastern Conference leaders
Elsewhere, Michael Porter Jr scored 30 points as the Brooklyn Nets produced a stunning comeback to beat the Detroit Pistons 107-105.
Brooklyn overturned a 23-point deficit to end a 10-game losing streak against the East’s top-seeded side.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks with 27 points in a 113-99 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz.
In Atlanta, Jalen Johnson posted 35 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists to guide the Hawks past the Philadelphia 76ers 125-116.
Kawhi Leonard scored 28 points as the Los Angeles Clippers erased a 19-point first-half deficit to edge out the Memphis Grizzlies 123-120.
The Orlando Magic also enjoyed a comfortable night on the road, winning 119-92 at the Minnesota Timberwolves despite Anthony Edwards scoring 34 points for the hosts.
Caitlin Clark is poised to make her long-awaited senior international debut for the United States in a FIBA World Cup qualifier following an eight-month injury layoff.
The Indiana Fever guard returns to the court next week in Puerto Rico, marking her first competitive action since July.
A frustrating series of setbacks, including groin issues and a bone bruise on her left ankle, derailed her WNBA campaign and limited her to just 13 appearances last season.
Shaking off the rust
“It will probably take me a second to knock a little bit of the rust off,” Clark admitted on Saturday.
“I will probably be a little bit nervous, which I usually don’t get, but that probably comes from the fact I haven’t really played basketball in a while.”
Despite the nerves, the former Iowa sensation emphasized her readiness after working extensively with medical staff over the last few months to regain full fitness.
“I am sure after the first minute of running around on the court, I will be just fine,” she added.
The prolific scorer noted that the extended break fuelled her work ethic, despite the disappointment of missing significant playing time during the domestic season.
“I have always been a person that is going to just rely on my work,” she said. “I feel like it has certainly made me work harder.”
Olympic goals and childhood dreams
While her omission from the gold-medal winning squad at the Paris 2024 Olympics caused significant public debate, the 23-year-old is focused on future major tournaments.
Clark has targeted a spot on the World Cup roster next year, followed by an appearance at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Obviously that is my goal, the World Cup before that [the Olympics],” she stated. “There is a lot for me to learn.”
The Fever star also reflected on her time in the youth setup, recalling the inspiration she drew from seeing the jerseys of past legends at training camps in Colorado Springs.
“To see the senior national jerseys of great men’s players and women’s players,” she recalled. “It is a 15 or 16-year-old’s dream of doing that one day.”