WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark will make her senior U.S. women's national team debut this weekend, participating in a training camp at Duke under new U.S. head coach Kara Lawson.
And while much of the focus Friday was on how the U.S. team could develop ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Summer Olympics (Clark is one of 10 newcomers), the topic of conversation loomed over the first day of practice if collective bargaining were currently underway among the team. VNBA and his players.
Clark, who has quickly become one of the faces of the WNBA, understands the magnitude of how this CBA could impact the future of the league.
“I think the biggest thing for me when I think about these CBA negotiations is the greatest moment the WNBA has ever seen, and it's not something that can be ruined,” Clark told reporters Friday after Team USA practice.
“And you know, we're going to fight for everything we deserve, but at the same time, we need to play basketball. That's what our fans crave… because you want the product on the court, and at the end of the day, that's how you make money, that's how you position yourself in the market. That's what fans care about. That's what fans want to show up for.”
Salary increases and revenue sharing are current points of contention between players and owners. Both sides pushed back the deadline twice – the issue was initially expected to be resolved by October 30 to January 9.
Clark is set to begin his third season on the series. Indiana fever and brought with her the legion of fans she gained at the University of Iowa, where she became the all-time leading scorer in women's college basketball.
She was a first-team All-WNBA selection as a rookie before battling various injuries in 2025. Clark's striking presence and superior playmaking ability have played a key role in the WNBA's growth in viewership and attendance over the past two years.
Speaking to people like Team USA managing director Sue Bird and Fever teammate Brianna Turner, who is on the negotiating committee, Clarke is trying to get to the bottom of the key issues.
“It's a business, it's a negotiation. There has to be compromise on both sides. It's starting to get to the bottom of it. It's become really important. Obviously, I want to help in any way I can,” Clark said.
“…But like I said, this is the greatest moment in WNBA history and I don't want it to be forgotten. It's important that we find a way to play next season. And I think our fans and everyone who played in this league before us deserves that too.”
