Fans Angered as WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike Echoes Caitlin Clark's Stance on Ongoing CBA Negotiations

Caitlin Clark’s position on the ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks between the WNBA and its players has now been mirrored by Women’s National Basketball Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike, prompting backlash from fans who see a double standard.

Speaking during Team USA training camp earlier this month, Clark said players would “fight for everything we deserve” while also noting they “need to play basketball.” That remark sparked criticism, with some fans labeling her stance as anti-union.

Ogwumike, however, made similar comments in an interview with ESPN on Friday, echoing Clark’s message and reigniting calls from fans for consistency now that those words came from the WNBPA president.

"We're looking for a good deal to get done, but I think we're also prepared for whatever it takes for that to happen, while also understanding that we want a 2026 season," Ogwumike said (per ESPN). "This means we could possibly strike if we need to, but it doesn't mean that we want that to happen. But we have it in our arsenal in order for us to get exactly what we need, which is a fair deal that represents our value in a very meaningful way."

Here is how fans reacted.

More on what Caitlin Clark said about CBA stalemate

Caitlin Clark’s entry into the WNBA brought unprecedented attention and commercial appeal, leading many to view her as the face of the league.

While players continue pushing for higher salaries, Clark acknowledged that producing a quality on-court product remains essential and that compromise is required from both sides.

"I think the most important thing for myself, thinking about these negotiations like this is the biggest moment that WNBA has ever seen, … but at the same time, like, we need to play basketball,” Clark said (per Front Office Sports). "That's what our fans crave, and that's what all of you crave as well. You want the product on the floor. And at the end of the day, that's how you make the money. ... It's a business, and it's a negotiation, and there has to be a compromise on both sides."

According to Spotrac, revenue sharing remains one of the primary sticking points in the ongoing negotiations.

Edited by John Ezekiel Hirro