According to Adam Silver in 2018, the WNBA has been losing around $10 million per year, with reports indicating that this season they could be as much as $50 million in debt. However, there is a positive outlook for the league as they are set to negotiate a new media deal following the 2025 season. Initial reports suggest that the new deal could span 11 years and be worth $2.2 billion, more than tripling their current annual revenue from television rights, going from $60 million to $200 million. This could potentially lead to a significant increase in player salaries, with rookie minimum pay potentially rising from $60,000 to $200,000. This improvement has been met with criticism from WNBA Legend Cheryl Miller, who deems the offer a lowball.
“You said how much?” – Cheryl Miller
“2.2 Billion” – Reporter
“Not enough, not even close. A 2 is nice….an 8 would be better” – Cheryl Miller
I am perplexed by Cheryl Miller’s statement and wish she had provided further clarification. Is she suggesting that the deal should be for 11 years and $8 billion, or perhaps 11 years and $2.8 billion? This ambiguity is sure to spark debate. While the WNBA has seen growth and newfound popularity, there are concerns about sustainability, especially if key players like Caitlin Clark are not in the league.
It may seem obvious to some that the WNBA has gained traction recently, but it is important to recognize that the league has a long history that has often been overshadowed. The sudden attention due to players like Caitlin Clark may not necessarily translate to a multi-billion dollar deal. While the league has seen increased revenue, there are still questions about its overall appeal beyond certain star players. Perhaps a significant revenue increase should be acknowledged and accepted gratefully.
However, Cheryl Miller and the WNBA Union appear dissatisfied, with Miller calling for a “Bully Negotiator” to represent the league in negotiations. I can only think of one person who fits that description, but I question if he would be the best choice for such a role.
