A day after the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx and won their first WNBA Finals title, a new battle began in the world of American women’s professional basketball.
WNBA players voted to opt out of their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) two years before it expires in order to pursue more favorable contracts, the players’ union said. The contract was originally scheduled to expire in 2027.
National Women’s Basketball Players Association (ＷＮＢＰＡ)’s decision to opt out will not affect next season. If the two sides reach a new agreement, it will come into effect in 2026. If no agreement is reached, a lockout could occur for the season.
The WNBA has seen rapid growth in ratings and attendance, and recently signed a media deal worth six times its previous value. The WNBPA has cited revenue sharing, salary increases and improved benefits for retired and pregnant players as priorities in negotiations.
“This is not a sudden idea, but the culmination of what we’ve been looking for over the past few seasons,” Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plumb, vice president of the WNBPA, said in a statement. “We have played a critical role in the league’s historic growth, and now we are stepping away from the current system to demand full transparency and a fair share of the business we have built.” .
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league “looks forward to working with the players and the WNBPA to reach a new CBA that is fair to all parties.” The aim is to reach an agreement that “lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come.”
Explosive increase in the number of spectators
The WNBA just finished its best season in history. According to the league, attendance increased by 48% from the previous year. Merchandise sales at its online store and New York flagship store have soared to about seven times as much as in 2023.
The increased interest in the WNBA helped the league negotiate a new media deal totaling $2.2 billion over 11 years. This is included in new NBA contracts totaling $76 billion over the same period.
The WNBA is also poised to add four teams.golden state valkyrieswill debut next year, with teams from Toronto and Portland to join in 2026. The WNBA is currently searching for a home for its 16th team.
However, with CBA negotiations scheduled to begin soon, there is a possibility that the union and league will not be able to reach an agreement. The NFL, NBA, and MLB have all had strikes over the past 15 years. Executive Director of WNBPA,terry carr michael jacksonHe said the union was prepared to take similar action.
“The balance between salary and compensation is out of balance,” Jackson pointed out in an interview. Under the current CBA, signed in 2020, the maximum salary for this season has doubled to approximately $242,000. “We have to raise salaries, but I don’t know if doubling is enough or if it accurately reflects the value of the players,” Jackson said.
Original title:WNBA Players Opt Out of Contract in Push for Higher Salaries (2)(excerpt)
