What's happened
WNBA players are frustrated with the league's response to their collective bargaining proposals, calling it a 'slap in the face.' With the current CBA set to expire in 118 days, players are pushing for better revenue sharing and increased salaries as negotiations continue ahead of the All-Star weekend.
What's behind the headline?
Current Negotiation Landscape
- The WNBA's growing popularity, highlighted by a $2.2 billion media rights deal, has shifted the stakes for players.
- Players are advocating for:
- Revenue sharing
- Increased salaries
- Expanded rosters
- Inclusion in media rights negotiations
Challenges Ahead
- The league's response to the WNBPA's proposals has been described as dismissive, complicating negotiations.
- Players like Breanna Stewart emphasize the difficulty of negotiating during the season, which adds pressure to reach an agreement before the CBA expires.
- The upcoming All-Star weekend meeting is seen as a critical moment for both sides to address these issues directly.
Future Implications
- If negotiations fail, a work stoppage could occur, impacting the league's momentum and player morale.
- The outcome of these discussions will likely set a precedent for future labor relations in women's sports.
What the papers say
According to the NY Post, WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart criticized the league's response to their proposals as 'pretty polar opposite' to what players are seeking. The players' union has expressed frustration over the slow negotiation process, with WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike stating that the league did not initially view their proposals as legitimate. This sentiment is echoed by Mercury star Satou Sabally, who called the league's first offer a 'slap in the face.' As reported by Front Office Sports, the players are pushing for significant changes, including revenue sharing and increased salaries, amidst the backdrop of the league's expansion plans and rising viewership. The urgency of these negotiations is underscored by the impending expiration of the current CBA, which could lead to a work stoppage if an agreement is not reached.
How we got here
The WNBPA opted out of the current CBA in October 2024, initiating negotiations for a new agreement. The league's recent expansion announcement and rising popularity have intensified players' demands for better compensation and roster sizes.
Go deeper
- What are the main demands from the players?
- How does the league's expansion impact negotiations?
- What could happen if a new CBA isn't reached?
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