Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are the two biggest names in this year’s WNBA rookie class. They are actively creating change within the league on a level that has not happened in the past, even though the Draft took place less than a month ago.
And both superstar athletes are not anywhere close to done!
As things currently stand, there is a pretty big jump between the lifestyle of a women’s college basketball player and a professional. At Iowa and LSU, Clark and Reese had top-tier facilities and a full-time staff to help them with things like recovery and nutrition.
That is not always the case in the WNBA. Clark’s first practice with the Indiana Fever illustrated a stark contrast in team facilities across the league. Her teammates are in awe of how quickly they went from playing in front of six fans at an outdated arena that smells like farm animals to sold-out NBA arenas.
And then there is the whole travel issue.
While in college, Clark and Reese primarily flew on chartered planes. Rarely, if ever, did they fly commercial. Up until recently, the WNBA flew commercial.
A video of Clark and the Indiana Fever walking through the airport among the common folk forced the league to act quickly. League commissioner Cathy Englebert recently said that a “full-time charter” for this season will begin “as soon as they can get planes.”
Her comments came shortly after Clark discussed the possibility of a holdout. The WNBA Player’s Association can opt out of its current Collective Bargaining Agreement after the 2024 season and this year’s rookie class might lead that charge.
Caitlin Clark and Fever GM Lin Dunn were both asked about commercial travel and security concerns at Fever media day this week. Fever are taking security seriously with the extra attention and Clark did mention the possibility of opting out of the CBA next year. @FOX59 @CBS4Indy https://t.co/RxdDS4LvZY pic.twitter.com/ym5TYLpNNM
— Eric Graves (@ReporterEric) May 3, 2024
Reese also hinted at the possibility of an opt-out during a conversation with Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.
Games are going to be packed. Standing-room only sometimes. We might get those. They just told us when I go back home to Washington, we’re playing where the Wizards play. So the change is happening and it’s not going to stop here. We’re in a great direction with the charter flights. Being able to have that, that’s a step in the right direction.
The [collective bargaining agreement] stuff is about to happen within the next year, too, so just understanding the gravitation we have, everything is in our hands right now to control.
— Angel Reese
Athletes are aware of their power. Especially this talented, high-profile group of rookies.
They are going to experience one full season with the current system. From there, the ball is literally in their court and they know it! Don’t be surprised if the players hold out prior to next season if the WNBA does not meet their demands. The players are in a great spot with a lot of power.