Valkyries’ decision-makers remain busy, optimistic as WNBA’s CBA negotiations drag on

OAKLAND – During a WNBA offseason with no end in sight, Natalie Nakase is treating the circumstances like business as usual. 

The Valkyries’ coach is checking in on players – Veronica Burton and four other Valkyries are currently playing in the Unrivaled League – and meeting with coaches to plan out every possible scenario. 

The fact that there may not be a season as the league and the players’ union have been unable to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement? 

Nakase was not unnerved by the uncertainty, at least publicly when asked about it on Tuesday at the Oakland screening of Warriors star Steph Curry’s new movie, “GOAT”.

“You know me, what am I going to say? Control the controllables,” Nakase said in perfect coach-speak. “It doesn’t faze me, whether it’s offseason or in season. We’re preparing, and we’re going to be prepared no matter what.” 

Meanwhile, standing next to her on the red carpet at Grand Lake Theater was Valkyries president Jess Smith, who expressed optimism that a new CBA will be agreed upon in time for the season, which is slated to start in May. 

“This is really a big moment for the league and the players,” Smith said. “It’s something they have to get right, so we‘re confident they’re going to continue to work towards.”

The Valkyries are coming off an inaugural season in which they shocked the basketball world by making the playoffs.

Aside from her team responsibilities, it has been a busy offseason for 2025 WNBA Coach of the Year Nakase. 

She has been involved in Warriors practices and seen spending time around the Boston Celtics, who are coached by her friend and mentor Joe Mazzulla.

In March, she will be an assistant coach for Team USA during the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup Qualifying Tournament in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

Meanwhile, on the business side of the operation, the Valkyries are operating as if the season — set to open May 8 in Seattle — will proceed, even as rules and dates for an expansion draft, free agency and the college draft remain unsettled. 

Last week, the WNBA sent the players’ union its latest CBA counter-proposal. 

On Wednesday morning, the Valkyries announced that the team expects to play its one home preseason game on April 25 against the Seattle Storm.

Should that game go on as scheduled, that would mean a new CBA has been reached and the team will have survived a free-agency frenzy. The majority of the WNBA’s players are free agents this offseason. 

Expect the Valkyries to be a factor in Year 2, whenever the madness begins. 

“We are working every day, all day, and all scenarios (are accounted for),” Smith said. “So we’re ready and prepared for those moments.”