Breanna Stewart Backs WNBPA in Push for Fair Pay, Revenue Sharing, and Roster Expansion

Two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart has voiced strong support for the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) as it intensifies negotiations with WNBA leadership over increased player compensation, equitable revenue sharing, and expanded team rosters. In a candid interview following the New York Liberty’s latest win, Stewart spoke openly about the physical toll of the current season format and the urgent need for structural changes.

“We’re playing at the highest level, giving everything we have, but too often it feels like the system isn’t giving back to us,” Stewart said. “The schedule is packed, the travel is brutal, and for the amount of money and exposure the league is now bringing in, we deserve more. A lot more.”

The Liberty forward’s comments come amid rising tension between the league and its players’ union. Although the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) made historic strides in areas like maternity leave and travel upgrades, many players feel that progress has stalled, especially in the face of record-breaking attendance and viewership in recent seasons.

At the heart of the current negotiations are three major issues: increasing player salaries, implementing a revenue-sharing model similar to the NBA’s, and expanding team rosters beyond the current 12-player limit. All three points, according to Stewart, are critical not only for fairness but also for the long-term sustainability of the league.

“We talk a lot about growing the game,” Stewart said. “But that means investing in the players, in our health, and in our futures. Too many athletes are exhausted—not just physically, but financially and mentally. That’s not what growth should feel like.”

Currently, the WNBA has one of the most grueling schedules in professional sports, with teams often playing three games a week and traveling across multiple time zones with limited rest. Combined with tight salary caps and roster restrictions, the pressure on elite players has reached a breaking point, according to many within the league.

The WNBPA has called for an immediate review of salary structures to reflect the league’s rising commercial value. With partnerships from brands like Nike, Google, and Amazon, and increased national TV coverage, the players argue they are no longer operating in a “developmental” league—and their paychecks should reflect that reality.

Fellow stars including A’ja Wilson, Arike Ogunbowale, and Diana Taurasi have also publicly backed the WNBPA’s demands. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has acknowledged the concerns, stating that the league remains “committed to player wellness and sustainable growth,” but has not yet agreed to specific terms.

“This isn’t about greed,” Stewart added. “It’s about dignity. It’s about making sure we’re compensated for the work we do and the value we bring—not just to our teams, but to the culture of sports.”

As negotiations continue behind closed doors, Stewart’s voice adds significant weight to the players’ side of the table. With stars like her leading the charge, the future of the WNBA may hinge on how leadership responds—not only to demands, but to the undeniable momentum behind them.