The latest wave of drama to hit women’s basketball doesn’t come from a heated on-court moment, but instead from the outspoken voice of Draymond Green. Never one to hold back his opinions, the Golden State Warriors veteran has turned his attention to the WNBA, specifically targeting the league’s treatment of rising star Paige Bueckers.


His fiery comments have not only stirred controversy but have also ignited speculation about whether the new Unrivaled league—a player-driven alternative being built by stars like Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier—could force the WNBA into a lockout sooner than expected.

Green’s criticisms came during a recent podcast appearance, where he alleged that the WNBA is failing to properly prepare for the next wave of talent, including college stars like Bueckers.

He argued that the league has historically mishandled marketing, contracts, and player protection, and he warned that unless drastic changes are made, athletes like Bueckers and Caitlin Clark could be left in a vulnerable position. Green’s words struck a nerve, not just because of his blunt delivery but because they tapped into ongoing frustrations already boiling inside the league.

Paige Bueckers, who has been fighting her way back from injuries at UConn and remains one of the most hyped prospects of her generation, has often been mentioned in the same breath as Clark when it comes to the future of women’s basketball.

Many expect her entry into the WNBA to bring another surge of fan interest and television exposure. But Green’s comments raised a glaring question: will the WNBA be ready to support her when she gets there, or will it once again stumble in capitalizing on a transcendent player?

Adding to the tension is the looming presence of Unrivaled, the new league founded by WNBA superstars frustrated with pay gaps, scheduling conflicts, and limited opportunities for women’s basketball players in the United States.
Already building momentum, Unrivaled has been floated as a genuine competitor to the WNBA, particularly if college stars like Bueckers consider alternatives before committing to the draft. Green didn’t hold back, suggesting that Unrivaled’s rise could be the “wake-up call” the WNBA desperately needs.

Fans have responded with a mix of excitement and fear. On social media, some praised Green for defending women’s athletes, noting that it often takes voices from outside the WNBA to force the league to confront its shortcomings.

Others, however, bristled at the idea of an NBA player lecturing women’s basketball, accusing him of speaking over the athletes instead of amplifying their voices. Regardless of the reaction, his comments succeeded in thrusting the WNBA’s internal issues back into the national spotlight.

The speculation about a potential lockout only fueled the fire. While the WNBA and its players’ union are still navigating their current CBA, insiders acknowledge that the growing frustrations around salaries, playing conditions, and overall investment are ticking time bombs.

If Unrivaled begins signing away marquee players or proves financially viable, the pressure on the WNBA to renegotiate terms—or risk losing its biggest stars—will reach a breaking point. Green’s comments poured gasoline on those whispers, painting a scenario where the WNBA is forced into drastic action just to maintain control.

Analysts have already begun weighing in, with some calling Green’s remarks exaggerated while others insisting they’re uncomfortably close to reality. ESPN’s women’s basketball analysts noted that Clark, Bueckers, and Angel Reese represent a “golden generation” of marketable stars who could transform the WNBA if nurtured properly.

But they also pointed out that if the league continues to lag behind in pay, promotion, and exposure, these same players could look for opportunities elsewhere. In that sense, Green’s blunt warning may prove prophetic.

The larger debate sparked by Green is whether outside forces like Unrivaled should be viewed as threats or catalysts. To some, Unrivaled represents the kind of competition that could finally force the WNBA and its ownership groups to invest at the level players deserve.

To others, it risks splintering the sport at a critical moment when women’s basketball is finally breaking into the mainstream spotlight. What’s clear is that the tension between the two leagues is only growing stronger, and players like Bueckers are caught in the middle.

For Paige herself, the drama is both flattering and daunting. As she continues her comeback campaign at UConn, her name is already at the center of debates about labor rights, league investment, and the future of women’s sports.

While she has yet to comment on Green’s statements, her trajectory all but guarantees that she will soon become one of the most powerful voices in shaping what comes next. If she decides to align with Unrivaled, the ripple effects could be seismic.

Ultimately, Green’s outburst reflects a deeper reality: the WNBA is at a crossroads, and the next two years will define its trajectory for decades to come. Paige Bueckers, Caitlin Clark, and their peers are poised to inject unprecedented star power into the league, but whether the WNBA seizes that moment or squanders it could determine its very survival.

If Unrivaled proves viable, and if players feel the league continues to underserve them, a lockout—or worse, a player exodus—may not be a question of “if,” but “when.”

For now, Draymond Green has done what he always does: spark chaos, ignite debate, and make headlines. But this time, his target isn’t just an opponent—it’s an entire league. And if he’s right, Paige Bueckers may be walking into a storm that could alter the entire future of women’s basketball.