ENTITLED WNBA Players GO NUTS After Stephen A Smith DESTROY Their CBA Conversation!

The atmosphere in the First Take studio became electric when Stephen A. Smith, known for his unapologetic style, addressed a topic that had been on the minds of many: the disparity between the WNBA’s financial situation and the money players are earning in other professional leagues.

The conversation began innocently enough with Smith bringing up Olivia Miles and her decision to stay in college instead of jumping straight to the WNBA. While many viewed this as a business decision, Smith took it a step further, pointing out the financial realities that were influencing Miles’s choice to delay her professional career.“Can you blame Olivia Miles for not jumping to the WNBA right now?” Smith asked the panel. “She’s making more money through NIL deals than Caitlin Clark is earning from the WNBA in her rookie year. A shocking $76,535, barely enough to cover rent in cities like New York or Chicago.”

This financial bombshell ignited a fiery debate. Caitlin Clark, one of the most well-known names in women’s basketball, was earning just $76,535 for her rookie season, which was far less than what she could make through endorsement deals in college. This revelation left viewers stunned, especially considering Clark’s immense popularity and widespread recognition.

However, Stephen A.’s comments didn’t sit well with some of the WNBA players and panelists. A female co-host, who was clearly upset, insisted that the conversation wasn’t fair, and suggested they bring in someone from the WNBA to explain why these financial comparisons were out of line. This only further intensified the debate, with Smith doubling down on his points.“This isn’t about sentiment. This is about the cold, hard facts of the situation. The WNBA is losing $40 million a year. Players have to fight for every dollar they earn,” Smith argued.

The stark reality of the WNBA’s financial struggles became evident. The league, despite its growing popularity and increasing attendance, is still operating at a deficit. WNBA rookies, like Clark, are forced to make ends meet on rookie pay that is far below the standard seen in the NBA. Meanwhile, college players like Miles can earn substantial amounts through NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals before even turning professional.

The Tough Choices Facing WNBA Players

The financial system in the WNBA isn’t just an abstract concern; it’s directly impacting the careers of its top athletes. As Smith pointed out, despite the excitement surrounding the league, players are forced to make tough choices. Some are even taking on second jobs during the off-season just to make ends meet. Many of them are accepting one-year contracts, hoping that the 2026 Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) will offer better pay and conditions.

The WNBA’s revenue-sharing model is also part of the problem. 42% of the league’s revenue goes directly to the NBA, leaving the WNBA with just a fraction to operate and compensate players. This financial model means that while the league is increasing in popularity, players are not seeing the rewards of their hard work.

A Bigger Picture: Olivia Miles’ Strategic Move

Smith’s discussion was about more than just pay; it was about strategy. Olivia Miles’s decision to stay in college and build her brand through NIL deals makes perfect sense. As Smith noted, she’s using her college years to develop her visibility, attract lucrative deals, and ensure that when she enters the WNBA, she’s in a stronger financial position.“She’s playing the long game,” Smith said. “It’s not just about the money now; it’s about securing her future. The WNBA is not giving players the financial stability they need right now.”

With the 2025 CBA negotiations on the horizon, WNBA players face an uphill battle for better compensation. They are locked in a system where the NBA’s financial dominance takes precedence, leaving the WNBA with limited revenue and resources.

A Potential Strike on the Horizon?

As the conversation heated up, Shannon Sharpe made a chilling prediction. He cautioned that while WNBA players were pushing for better pay and benefits, they did not have the financial backing to sustain a strike. In contrast to major sports leagues like the NBA, the WNBA does not have the funds or infrastructure to support a prolonged work stoppage. A failed strike could severely damage the league, alienating new fans and potential sponsors.

Despite the frustration among players, Sharpe pointed out that the league’s financial troubles weren’t the fault of the athletes but the result of a system that hasn’t evolved fast enough to match the growing popularity of the game. The league’s structure and its financial struggles created a situation where players, while immensely talented, were fighting for scraps instead of the paychecks they deserve.“This is a tough reality,” Sharpe said. “They deserve better, but until the league addresses its financial issues, players will continue to face this battle.”

The Path Forward: Can the WNBA Survive?

The WNBA is at a crossroads. With stars like Caitlin Clark changing the game and elevating the league’s profile, the question remains: how will the league adapt to its growing popularity?

For now, the financial disparities in the WNBA are difficult to ignore. Players like Olivia Miles and Caitlin Clark are carving their own paths, but the structural challenges of the league remain. As the 2025 CBA negotiations loom, the question is no longer just about salaries—it’s about whether the WNBA can survive long-term under its current financial system.

Will the players fight for a better future? Or will they be forced to continue making do with a system that limits their earning potential?

The debate is just beginning, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.