The current tensions in the WNBA arise from ongoing negotiations between league leadership, headed by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and the players. This conflict was intensified by an impactful end-of-season press conference by Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
There are still a lot of unanswered questions. Here’s what you need to know:
How did we get here?
At the end of the 2024 season, players opted out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). The intention was to allow ample time for the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) to negotiate a new contract.
WNBPA Executive Director Terry Carmichael Jackson had expressed optimism in May that substantial progress would be made by the All-Star break in July.
That, however, didn’t materialize.
A meeting involving over 40 players was held with league officials, including Engelbert, but players left feeling that it was a missed opportunity.
They even organized a protest during All-Star Game warmups, all donning “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts.
Negotiations continued throughout the season, but both sides remained at an impasse.
The ownership model of the league poses challenges as well.
What do players want? Why do players have more bargaining power?
Players are demanding their share of the $250 million expansion fee, rising franchise valuations, record attendance figures, and a $2.2 billion media rights deal.
This fuels their fight for better revenue-sharing models and higher salaries. Other key issues include relaxing the salary cap and enhancing benefits for mothers and former players.
This moment marks the highest bargaining power players have had in negotiations. Previously, there were fears the league could collapse or owners might withdraw support.
Fortunately, those concerns seem to be fading.
Players have become crucial to the league’s success. Young talents like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Backers have significantly contributed to the league’s rising popularity in recent seasons.
While charter flights have been a longstanding goal for players, the WNBA introduced a league-wide program ahead of the 2024 season. Players seem determined to leverage their newfound influence.
What do we know about this proposal so far?
Many players feel undervalued in the current negotiations.
The latest proposal from the WNBA reportedly lacks a supermax salary exceeding $1 million in the first year, instead suggesting around $850,000. The veteran minimum salary would be about $300,000, both of which represent increases from the existing CBA.
While these figures have risen from the current supermax of $249,244 and a veteran minimum of $78,831, players might still argue that these raises don’t reflect the league’s increasing valuation, with some franchises valued over $400 million.
The report highlights that the new proposal resembles the current CBA, meaning revenue-sharing bonuses would depend on exceeding certain revenue benchmarks.
Players are advocating for a salary model akin to the NBA’s, where future salary caps are influenced by basketball-related income, such as TV deals and ticket sales.
What will happen with the October 31st deadline?
As the deadline approaches, several scenarios could unfold.
Ideally, both parties would agree on a new contract, although this seems unlikely given the distance between them during the WNBA Finals. More probable outcomes include an extension of the deadline for ongoing negotiations or a complete halt to talks.
The previous CBA agreement was reached in January 2020 after an extension, though this time, the first work stoppage in league history isn’t totally off the table, as players have indicated readiness for it throughout the season.
A strike, initiated by the players’ union, could lead to work stoppages, while a lockout would occur if owners prevent players from accessing team facilities. The WNBPA is cautious about using terms like “strike,” but the current contract heavily favors the owners, making this a possibility.
Even though this is the offseason, numerous important events such as the draft lottery, free agency, and the college draft are pending decisions on the new CBA. Everything will remain in limbo until an agreement is achieved.
Both sides are eager to avoid disruptions to next season’s start, that’s for sure.
