On Friday night, 30 minutes before the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and its players union was set to pass, the WNBA Players Association released a statement blasting the league for its negotiating tactics and accusing it of trying to run out the clock.

With the WNBA CBA now expired, many paths forward emerge.

WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and VP Napheesa Collier applaud player solidarity but bemoan a lack of progress in CBA negotiations.

In mid-December, the WNBPA authorized its executive committee to call for a strike “when necessary,” making it easier for the union to trigger a stoppage. The union said 93 percent of players participated in the vote, and 98 percent voted “yes.”

The WNBA finds itself at an interesting crossroads. Over the last few seasons, the league has seen exponential growth. Caitlin Clark's arrival has been a factor, but the sport continues to grow even in her absence.

WNBPA chiefs respond to Caitlin Clark's message of compromise amid WNBA CBA talks originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.