WNBA players have decided to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement in search of a new deal, reopening the debate around the economics of women’s basketball. The current CBA, which was put into effect in 2020, will now expire after the next season instead of in 2027, giving the league and its athletes one year to come to terms on updated agreements through what could be a tense series of discussions.
One of the main priorities for the players during negotiations will be the league’s hard salary cap. WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson stated in an interview that the players being the only ones capped in the business is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. She emphasized the need to discuss and potentially implement a new salary cap system.
In addition to the salary cap, players are also advocating for a larger, guaranteed share of league revenue or even the possibility of players receiving ownership portions in the league or specific teams. Jackson mentioned that all options are on the table for discussion.
The WNBPA initiated meetings with outside experts and top players a year ago to assess their options and establish their goals. These stakeholders have been meeting regularly throughout the season and recently voted to support the decision to opt out of the current agreement and begin negotiating a new one.
Jackson revealed that she spoke with WNBA player representatives Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier, who are also WNBPA vice presidents, about the decision to make a public announcement less than 24 hours after the conclusion of the WNBA Finals. Both players expressed readiness to move forward with the decision.
Prior to the announcement, Jackson communicated with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert about the need for working together to bring about transformational change. Both parties expressed a common goal of initiating conversations and negotiations as soon as possible, with proposed dates for an initial meeting already set.
In response to the announcement, Engelbert stated that she looks forward to collaborating with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair and sets the foundation for growth and success in the coming years.
Engelbert and Jackson previously held the same positions during the formation of the 2020 CBA, which introduced incentives for players to prioritize the WNBA over international leagues and included significant benefits for mothers, as well as doubling the top salaries in the league. The current WNBPA president is Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm.
In recent years, the WNBA has seen significant growth, with team valuations soaring, a rise in league funding, increased media rights value, and the addition of three expansion teams. Despite these advancements, the league has yet to achieve profitability, with player salaries accounting for a small percentage of the reported annual revenue.
The players will also be pushing for improved facility and travel standards, permanent charter flight program implementation, expanded retirement benefits, and increased family-related support as part of the new CBA discussions.
The upcoming negotiations for a new CBA could highlight a divide among WNBA team owners with some investing heavily in their teams and others taking a more conservative approach.
The union is preparing players for potentially lengthy negotiations, as past labor disputes have been a part of the WNBA’s history since its inception in 1996. Owners have threatened to cancel seasons or fold teams in response to player demands.
Comparatively, the NWSL and its players negotiated a CBA extension well ahead of its expiration, avoiding public conflicts and announcing changes to reshape the league, such as expanding free agency and eliminating the entry draft.
Jackson praised the soccer league’s deal and highlighted the WNBPA’s shared legal counsel with the NWSLPA. She expressed a desire to bring everyone forward with the wins secured in a new CBA.
The WNBPA has been vocal about the need for transformative change, especially after a groundbreaking year in women’s basketball. The players are determined to secure a new agreement that reflects their contributions to the league’s success.
