WNBA players’ union leader delivers strong reply to Adam Silver

WNBA Players and League’s CBA Dispute Continues

The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) remain in disagreement over their current collective bargaining agreement, which is set to expire at the end of this month.

WNBPA Executive Director Terry Carmichael Jackson has publicly criticized NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s recent remarks about revenue sharing, which is a key concern for the players. Jackson stated, “Sharing is not the right way to look at it.”

Despite Silver’s assurance that WNBA players will see a substantial pay increase this bargaining cycle, Jackson emphasized that players want their salaries linked to a more comprehensive revenue-sharing model that aligns with the league’s growth.

Jackson explained, “When our players opted out a year ago, they made it clear that they wanted a pay structure that valued their contributions and enabled them to grow alongside the business they are driving.” He expressed frustration with the league’s approach, saying they’re merely putting a new facade on a system that undervalues players. He questioned the league’s attempt to label parts of the proposal as ‘uncapped.’

Jackson also mentioned that the league’s fixed salary structure combined with a limited revenue-sharing plan fails to adequately compensate players. “We arrived at the negotiation table ready to make a deal, yet they continue to provide incorrect calculations, hoping that no one grasps what ‘no cap’ really entails,” she said.

In response, a WNBA spokesperson dismissed Jackson’s claims as “inaccurate and surprising,” asserting that the league does indeed offer an “uncapped” option.

“Our comprehensive proposal includes a revenue-sharing component, meaning that as league revenues go up, so does player compensation, without any cap on the potential increases,” the spokesperson explained. They expressed frustration over the union misrepresenting the league’s proposals while alleging delays.

The league also noted that the WNBPA has yet to propose a viable economic plan and has avoided engaging meaningfully on several aspects of the league’s latest proposal.

According to reports, the latest offer from the WNBA does not feature a super-max salary exceeding $1 million in the first year, with offers instead near $850,000. The minimum salary for veteran players would rise to approximately $300,000, a significant increase from the current figures.

Currently, the supermax salary stands at $249,244, with a veteran minimum of $78,831. While these proposed increases are notable, many players argue that they still fall short considering the league’s increasing valuation, with some franchises surpassing $400 million.

Players are advocating for a salary structure akin to the NBA’s, where basketball-related income from TV contracts, sponsorships, and ticket sales establishes the annual salary cap.

With the current CBA set to expire on October 31st, the two parties have been meeting regularly. However, it appears an extension may be necessary, as was the case in 2019 during the last round of negotiations.

Notably, the offseason activities, including draft lotteries, expansion drafts, free agency, and college drafts, hinge on the approval of a new contract.

Both sides express a desire to avoid any delays for the coming season. “We are prepared to negotiate in good faith and hope they will do the same to finalize a mutually beneficial CBA as soon as possible,” a league spokesperson said.