The concept of the WNBA securing an 11-year media rights deal worth $2.2 billion may seem like a significant advancement to many, but not to women’s basketball legend Cheryl Miller. She views it as a “low-ball” proposal.
Recently, The Athletic revealed that the WNBA was finalizing a media rights agreement that would earn the league $2.2 billion over the next 11 years. The sport’s popularity has surged, especially with promising rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink making their mark in the league.
Moreover, the WNBA boasts a roster of veteran stars such as Diana Taurasi, Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Arike Ogunbowale. Despite this, Miller argues that the $2 billion offer falls short for a league that is clearly on the rise.
“I’m not great with numbers, that’s a low-ball offer,” Miller expressed. “How much are you offering? Not sufficient. Far from it. I’m not trying to inflate it significantly — ($2 billion) is decent, ($8 billion) would be ideal.
“That’s what I mean, as they are aware. We have certainly progressed. I’m not looking to overcharge, but it is long overdue, and we will keep improving. Just look at college basketball and what’s coming next — the upcoming wave. … Women’s basketball is currently thriving.”
PUT CHERYL MILLER IN THE NEGOTIATING ROOM @WNBA @CathyEngelbert pic.twitter.com/7usSqJ3YcQ
— correlation (@nosyone4) July 19, 2024
Due to the popularity of the 2024 WNBA Draft class, the league has experienced a notable increase in viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales. Additionally, Clark and Reese consistently set new records.
Clark already holds the WNBA’s single-game assists record, providing 19 assists in a game against the Dallas Wings in July. Reese broke the league’s consecutive double-double streak, achieving a new milestone with 15 straight double-doubles this season.
Miller acknowledges the tremendous growth of the game. However, what would it take to push that $2 billion offer closer to $8 billion?
“We need tough and fair negotiators. Visionaries,” Miller stated. “We require a strong negotiator. Someone who is willing to say, ‘We’ll figure it out and go from there.’ But we aim for a figure greater than ($2 billion).”
