WNBA Players Eye More Recovery Time After Olympic Quick Turnaround

The WNBA wasted no time returning to action after the Paris Olympics, with teams resuming play just four days after the Games concluded. This quick turnaround is something players might seek to address in the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Among those affected was Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, who had to adjust from a nine-hour time difference after competing in France. Stewart believes that more time off should be built into the CBA, especially following the Olympics, noting that this is the first time the league has had a 40-game season alongside the Olympics.

Players or the league have the option to opt out of the current CBA at the end of this season.

Despite the tight schedule, New York, which had four players and its head coach involved in the Paris Games, performed well, sweeping games against Los Angeles and Las Vegas to secure a playoff spot.

Stewart acknowledged the league’s desire to maintain momentum by not going too long without games, but emphasized the need to consider the players' perspective. She highlighted the challenge of quickly shifting from Paris to the West Coast and how it prevented players from fully celebrating achievements like winning a gold medal.

Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson echoed similar sentiments, expressing a desire for more recovery time after helping Team USA win its eighth consecutive gold medal. The Aces, who started play a bit later, split their first two games. Wilson stressed the importance of having time to decompress and adjust back to regular team play.

Wilson supports the idea of players advocating for more rest time, even if it's just a few extra days, to avoid the strain of playing immediately after long flights.

Teams like Phoenix, Chicago, and Los Angeles faced a particularly grueling schedule, playing three games in four days to kick off the second half of their seasons.

Looking ahead, the next Olympics will be in Los Angeles, which should reduce travel challenges for Team USA players.