“We remain committed to negotiating the next CBA with the league in good faith and in private,” Thornton mentioned. “But we do want to set the record straight, not for the headlines, but for the fans to support us and who deserve transparency about what’s at stake.”
Hayes continued, “This is a defining moment for the WNBA as the league grows, it’s time for a CBA that will affect our true values. We’re fighting for a fair share of the business that we build. It’s business. We’re not fighting for anything unreasonable.”
Hayes and Thornton joined Indiana Fever guards Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham as gamers who gave public statements relating to the present CBA negotiations on Sunday.
Final yr, the WNBA Gamers Affiliation opted out of its CBA that may have run by 2027, and the deal will now finish after this yr.
Entrance Workplace Sports activities reported that statements have been made on Sunday as a result of the gamers union is hoping to make headway on a brand new deal close to the All-Star recreation, which is about to happen in Indianapolis on July 19.
Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase mentioned she was supportive of the gamers by these negotiations.
“A huge reason why I wanted to work in the W was to see how I can help, how I can impact,” Nakase mentioned. “As this league is growing, I want to help too. I want to do whatever it takes to get what they want and to get what they deserve. So I’m supporting them 100%.”
Final yr, the WNBA reached an settlement for a brand new $2.2 billion media rights deal. The record-breaking settlement with ESPN, NBC and Amazon may give means for larger wages within the league. In accordance with Spotrac, Las Vegas Aces guard Jackie Younger has the best common annual worth at $252,450.
Among the many many issues the gamers are bargaining for, amongst them is to develop roster sizes. Underneath the present CBA, groups can signal as much as 12 gamers and should preserve a minimal of 11.
“As this league expands, I think there should be (more spots),” Thornton mentioned. “There’s a lot of great players out there.”
Nakase added, “There’s so many players out there that deserve it, that can play in this league and that can contribute. So I think, yeah, that would definitely be a plus, especially with injuries. I think 12 is just a little bit too less right now.”
The Golden State Valkyries bench celebrates a basket and foul by Golden State Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen (2) towards the Connecticut Solar within the second quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group)
Chen steps in for Leite
French rookie Carla Leite was a stunning wholesome scratch from Sunday’s win as she was the one participant to not have checked into the sport.
Leite performed 20 minutes within the Valkyries’ win over the Indiana Fever on Thursday and was not on the damage listing main as much as Sunday. She was seen warming up simply over an hour earlier than tipoff.
When requested why Leite didn’t play, Nakase mentioned, “I just wanted to give Kaitlyn (Chen) an opportunity.”
Chen made probably the most of her practically 21 minutes of play. The previous UConn star scored 5 factors and managed the tempo for the Valkyries in her WNBA debut. She was assessed a technical foul within the fourth quarter after elbowing Connecticut guard Haley Peters within the face.
“I love seeing Kaitlyn flourish,” Valkyries guard Tiffany Hayes mentioned. “I’ve seen her hard work in practice and she just comes in and gives whatever we need from her.”
Golden State Valkyries’ Kaitlyn Chen (2) celebrates a basket and foul on Golden State Valkyries’ Stephanie Talbot (7) towards the Connecticut Solar within the second quarter on the Chase Heart in San Francisco, Calif., on Sunday, June 22, 2025. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group)
Talbot bounces again
It’s been a tricky begin to the yr for Valkyries ahead Stephanie Talbot.
The six-year Australian ahead has struggled to search out her 3-point shot after lacking most of coaching camp and Golden State’s season opener.
However on Sunday, she discovered a method to contribute.
Talbot scored six factors on 2-of-6 capturing and grabbed 10 rebounds in 19 minutes. She had a plus-minus score of +26 when she was on the ground – her highest of the season.
“That was big for us, getting us extra possessions,” Hayes mentioned of Talbot. “She’s always in the gym working hard, so I’m glad to see her hard work.”
Initially Revealed: June 23, 2025 at 6:00 AM PDT
