WNBA Commissioner Discusses CBA Progress and Deadline
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has recognized some advancements in the negotiations related to a new collective bargaining agreement with the players’ association. At the same time, she emphasized a deadline for finalizing this agreement.
Engelbert expressed that the timeline is crucial to prevent any disruptions to the league’s spring activities, especially as training camps and preseason games are on the horizon. “We need to finalize this by Monday,” she noted. “It’s essential we accomplish this while also moving forward with our two-team expansion plans,” she added.
She went on to stress the urgency of moving ahead with expansion, free agency, and the college draft, which is just a month away. Training camps are set to start on April 19, with preseason games beginning on April 25.
Negotiating sessions have reportedly extended for several hours over the past few days. Both Terry Carmichael Jackson, Executive Director of the National Women’s Basketball Players Association, and Engelbert have acknowledged productive discussions, particularly on related issues.
However, Engelbert did point out that significant work still lies ahead. Jackson conveyed a cautiously optimistic outlook, stating, “I think the league, especially the commissioner and their team, are understanding that achieving change remains a priority. As long as progress continues, I believe we’ll be okay.”
Despite the ongoing talks, there’s still no consensus on a new revenue-sharing arrangement. The WNBA’s proposal suggests players should earn an average of at least 70% of their net earnings. In contrast, the players’ association has pitched for 26% of their gross earnings throughout the contract duration. Earlier, the association had concerns about a proposal that meant players could earn less than 15% of their total income, with the league arguing that some union proposals could potentially cause substantial revenue losses.
Nafeesa Collier, Vice President of the WNBPA, took part in the recent in-person negotiations, alongside other executive committee members earlier in the week.
