Exclusive: Breanna Stewart on WNBA CBA deal, late-night negotiations, more

March is often a busy month for three-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart, and this year is no exception. Stewart, who won four consecutive NCAA tournaments during her time playing for the UConn Huskies, now serves as vice president of the WNBA players' union, and was instrumental in labor negotiations between the league and WNBPA. After more than 100 hours of negotiation since March 10, the two parties agreed in principle to a new collective bargaining agreement deal on the morning of March 18.

Following the negotiations, USA TODAY caught up with Stewart to discuss the CBA as well as March Madness. She also shared thoughts on name, image and likeness in the NCAA and forecasted the future of women’s basketball. This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Question: You've had a very busy offseason with very late nights. What have you learned about yourself through all of this? Answer: I want to make sure I'm doing everything I can to make the sport and the league better.

There are moments where I could say I'm tired, or I want to be with my kids and my family. But the way I expect greatness from myself on the court — it's the same way off the court. I want to make sure I'm there to push things in the direction they need to go.