Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve linked a recent surge in player injuries to the league's collective bargaining negotiations. Reeve suggested the timing of the talks left many athletes physically unprepared for the start of the season.

When reporter Colin Salao asked her about the ongoing injuries, she stated, "CBA negotiations. I'm serious." "Players weren't ready, it's not all of the injuries, of course, but I thought about it." She continued the statement.

"We didn't have players that were in great shape." She added. "I don't know the gap in between the Unrivaled, the gap in between some of these players playing; I think that had a little something to do with it."

For context, WNBA Unrivaled started on January 5, 2026, and ended on March 4, 2026. The Mist BC defeated Phantom BC for the league championship.

Whereas the 2026 WNBA preseason started on April 25. But various WNBA players also play in international leagues, the domestic Athletes Unlimited league or the EuroLeague Women.

This comment comes as Lynx's own injury report has been full of players. Five-time WNBA All-Star Napheesa Collier is out due to injuries to both ankles.

Further, Dorka Juhász was also ruled out due to a right foot injury she sustained during the EuroLeague Women Semifinal on April 17.

Reeve's comments indicated that players have been put through a demanding, compacted schedule. But now that the WNBA and the WNBPA have cut out a new CBA deal, things could change for the players in future seasons.

A New CBA Deal Is The Most Important Agreement In Women’s Sports History

WNBA and the WNBPA recently announced a new CBA deal on May 12. The deal is termed the first comprehensive revenue-sharing model in women's sports history.

This accomplishment lays the foundation for a fairer future in the league. WNBA's first $1 million salaries are included in the deal. The salary cap is also rising from $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million per team.

The new CBA deal will also give more protection for WNBA players who are mothers and will be more cautious towards their treatment.

But the perks do not end there; players who will retire will now get a single-time bonus, and there is also an expanded benefits package available to the players in the new CBA.

Additionally, players are also guaranteed housing for the first three years of the new deal. The seven-year deal will go on till 2032 season.

Reeve's and other players' arguments will finally be settled as the final long-form version of the deal has been signed and finalized.

Players will certainly get more freedom and be more financially equipped to afford the care and treatment that they need to be ready for the WNBA season going ahead.

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Written by

Dhruv Singh

Edited by

Koushik Biswas