WNBA and WNBPA, headed by Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier, continue to disagree on revenue sharing as the January 9 CBA deadline approaches, threatening a potential strike.
WNBA labor negotiations seem to be stalled, as the league has not yet replied to a collective bargaining agreement proposal made by players almost two weeks ago, according to a report from Front Office Sports, with the January 9 deadline for a new agreement rapidly approaching.
The existing CBA was set to end on Nov. 30, but both parties consented to prolong discussions until Jan. 9. In mid-December, WNBA athletes voted to empower union leadership, including WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike, to commence a strike if negotiations fail.
What Is Causing the Deadlock Between the WNBA and Its Players?
At the heart of the stalemate is finance, particularly how income is characterized, distributed, and recorded.
The WNBPA is advocating for an authentic revenue-sharing structure, suggesting that players earn 30% of total revenue with a salary cap of about $10.5 million.
The league is said to have turned down the proposal — stating it would not be financially viable — and, according to ESPN, recently responded by proposing that players receive over 50% of net revenue (i.e. income after costs) alongside significant salary hikes.
Within that structure, average salaries would increase from around $120,000 to $530,000, whereas top salaries would soar from $249,244 to $1.3 million right away and near $2 million by the contract’s conclusion. The suggested salary cap would start at $5 million and increase in accordance with revenue sharing.
Nonetheless, the understanding of “revenue” and the clarity regarding expenses continue to be significant obstacles, with the trust between both parties growing more tenuous
Minnesota Lynx standout and WNBPA vice president Napheesa Collier recently supported the players’ position in the ongoing WNBA-CBA revenue dispute.
“You’ve listened to plenty of discussions regarding our requests being unsustainable for the company,” Collier stated during an Unrivaled broadcast on Monday.
“From this perspective with Unrivaled, I understand what it requires to operate a sustainable business.” If they are unable to locate a model that accomplishes this, they must appoint individuals who can. We have demonstrated that it can be achieved. A method exists. We’re flourishing in that.
With the parties remaining distant on key issues, the likelihood of work stoppages is increasing.
Any work stoppage could trigger substantial ripple effects, particularly as the WNBA intends to incorporate expansion teams in Portland and Toronto by 2026, increasing the league to 15 teams, with the 2026 season set to commence in May.
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