Get to Know AFL-CIO’s Affiliates: Women’s National Basketball Players Association
This is the next post in our series that will take a deeper look at each of our affiliates. The series will run weekly until we’ve covered all 65 of our affiliates. Next up is the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA).
Name of Union: Women’s National Basketball Players Association
Mission: To leverage the collective wisdom and vision of WNBA players and fully commit to affirming, defending, and advancing player interests on and off the court.
Current Leadership of Union: Nneka Ogwumike serves as president. Kelsey Plum serves as first vice president, Elizabeth Williams serves as secretary, Brianna Turner serves as treasurer, and the WNBPA has three vice presidents: Alysha Clark, Napheesa Collier, and Breanna Stewart. Each team’s players select a primary player representative and an alternate. There is a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee. Terri Carmichael Jackson serves as the union’s executive director.
Current Number of Members: 180
Members Work As: Professional basketball players.
Industries Represented: Women’s professional basketball.
History: The WNBPA was created in 1998 to protect the rights of players and assist them in achieving their full potential on and off the court. It is the first labor union for professional women athletes.
Current Campaigns/Community Efforts: The WNBPA secured a transformational new CBA on March 19, 2026. The WNBPA monitors and enforces the CBA, files grievances on behalf of its members’ interests, and counsels players on benefits and post-WNBA career opportunities. The WNBPA also serves as a resource for current players competing internationally during the offseason. The WNBPA screens the backgrounds of agents, certifies them to work with WNBA players and monitors all player contracts. The Union offers resources for continued education, workers’ compensation, retirement, travel, and other opportunities. In addition, the WNBPA supports the off-the-court passions of its members by working with social justice and civil rights organizations, uplifting foundations that various players have formed, and promoting products sold by players in the Players’ Market. The WNBPA forms partnerships with corporate sponsors to promote players through its group licensing business.