Fair Play or No Play: Why Sports Shawties is Holding Out for a Fair WNBA CBA

Brittany Sykes holding up “PAY THE PLAYERS” sign at the 2025 WNBA All-Star game in Indianapolis.

You’ve probably seen the headlines, or maybe you’ve just felt that weird, lingering "vibe" in the air lately. The truth is, my inbox has been absolutely blowing up! WNBA teams from all over are reaching out to us, asking when the Sports Shawties squad is coming back to fill the stands, bring the energy, and show out like only we can. And believe me, nothing makes me happier than seeing our community come together to cheer on these incredible athletes. But this year, things are different.

Right now, we are officially in a "holding pattern," and I wanted to be super transparent with you about why. We love the game, but at Sports Shawties, we love the players more. And until they get the fair shake they deserve, we’re keeping our pom-poms in the bag.

The Elephant in the Room: What’s Up With the CBA?

Okay, let’s break it down, no corporate speak, just the real deal. You’ve probably heard the term "CBA" or Collective Bargaining Agreement tossed around. Essentially, it’s the big contract between the league (the bosses) and the players (our sisters on the court). It covers everything from travel conditions to, you guessed it, pay.

The current situation is, well, messy. The players’ union is fighting for a deal that actually reflects how much the league has grown. They’re looking for about 26-27.5% of gross revenue. Meanwhile, the league is offering a percentage of net revenue, which sounds okay until you realize that, after all expenses are deducted, the players might end up with less than 15% of the total pie.

Does that feel right to you? Because it definitely doesn’t feel right to us!

We’ve watched these women sell out arenas, break jersey sales records, and bring a whole new generation of fans into the fold. They are the product. They are the show. And seeing them struggle to get a fair slice of the billion-dollar pie they helped bake? That’s a hard pill to swallow. We want to make sure that when we buy a ticket, we aren’t just lining the league's pockets; we want to know the women we’re screaming for are being set up for life.

Will There Even Be a Season?

This is the part that totally gives me the jitters, and if you’re feeling anxious about it, you are not alone! Seriously, it’s totally normal to feel a bit bummed out. The reality is that because these negotiations are so stuck, we aren’t even 100% sure there’s going to be a 2026 season at all.

Imagine a summer without WNBA basketball. It sounds like a nightmare, right? But the players are prepared to hold out for what they’re worth, and we have to stand with them. If there’s no fair deal, there’s no game, and if there’s no game, the Sports Shawties aren’t heading to the arena.

I know some of you might be thinking, "But I already bought my flyest fit for the season opener!" or "I’ve been waiting all winter to see the rookies!" Don’t worry, bestie, we’re going to find ways to keep the energy up regardless! But for now, we have to sit tight. We can’t, in good conscience, commit our community’s hard-earned money and our massive "Shawty Energy" to a league that isn't taking care of its own.

Why We’re Taking This Stand (And Why You Should Too!)

At Sports Shawties, we’re more than just a group of fans. We’re a community built on support, empowerment, and showing up for one another. You can read more about our mission on our About Us page, but the short version is: we believe in women. All women.

If we claim to empower the women in our community, we have to empower the women on the court, too. We can’t just "shut up and watch" when we know the players are fighting for basic fairness. Taking a stand like this can feel a little lonely or even frustrating, but remember, when we move as a squad, we have power!

By holding out, we’re sending a message: We see the players. We value the players. And we aren’t coming back until they are treated with the respect (and the checks!) they’ve earned.

"But I Miss the Squad!" – What to Do in the Meantime

Don't worry, I'm not going to leave you hanging! Just because we’re pressing pause on WNBA outings doesn’t mean the vibes have to stop. We’ve still got plenty of ways to hang out and keep the community spirit alive.

First off, have you checked out our upcoming Events page? We are putting a huge focus on supporting other women-led sports and initiatives that are already doing the right thing. For example, if you haven’t looked into Unrivaled, you totally should! It’s such a cool way to see high-level competition while supporting a model that puts players first.

We’re also planning some local meetups, watch parties for other sports, and maybe even some fitness sessions so we can stay active together. No need to wait for a league schedule to get the sisters together! You’re always welcome to suggest ideas or host a little "Shawty Session" in your own city. Hop into our Contact page if you’ve got a brilliant idea you want to share with the group.

The Power of the "Shawty" Community

I want to take a second to just say thank you. The reason these teams are "hitting us up" so aggressively is because of YOU. They know that when Sports Shawties shows up, the energy shifts. They know we bring the noise, the fashion, and the genuine love for the game.

Because you’ve helped us build such a strong presence, we actually have a seat at the table. Our "no" carries weight. When we tell a front office, "Hey, we’d love to come, but we’re waiting to see a fair CBA," they listen. They realize that the fans aren't just passive observers: we’re advocates.

Even if you’re new here and feeling a little shy about the politics of it all: don’t be! You’re part of the family now. Whether you’re a die-hard fan who knows every stat or someone who just likes the "good vibes" and the outfits, your presence helps us push for a better future for women’s sports.

Staying Hopeful (And Prepared)

So, what’s the plan? We’re going to keep a very close eye on the news. Every time there’s an update on the CBA, you can bet we’ll be talking about it. Keep checking our Updates section for the latest tea.

The moment: and I mean the exact moment: a fair deal is signed and the players are happy, you’ll be the first to know. We’ll have those ticket links ready faster than a fast break! We want to be back in those seats more than anything, but only when we can do it with a clear conscience.

In the meantime, let’s keep supporting the players individually. Follow them on socials, buy their personal merch, and let them know that the Shawties have their backs! They need to hear from us now more than ever.

Let’s Chat!

How are you feeling about all this? Are you nervous about the season? Are you ready to picket with us? We want to hear from you! This community belongs to you, and your voice matters.

If you want to stay in the loop and get notified the second things change, make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter or checking the Blog regularly. We’ve got some deep dives coming up on player salaries and why this fight matters so much for the league's future.

Remember: it’s fair play or no play. We’re holding the line for our sisters on the court, and we’re doing it together.

Stay fly, stay loud, and stay tuned! The best is yet to come: we’re just making sure it’s a "best" that works for everyone.

Catch you at the next (fairly paid) tip-off! 🏀✨