WNBA, players’ union reach agreement in principle on new pact
The WNBA and its players’ union have reached a monumental verbal agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement, marking a significant step forward for the league. While specifics are still being finalized by lawyers on both sides, a term sheet is expected to be completed within the next few days. The agreement will then need to be voted on by the players and the league’s Board of Governors.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her excitement about the progress made in the negotiations, emphasizing the shared commitment to the growth of the game. She highlighted the transformative nature of the agreement and promised to share additional details as they become available. The players’ union president, Nneka Ogwumike, echoed Engelbert’s sentiments, praising the players for their dedication and resilience throughout the process.
One of the key highlights of the new agreement is the expected increase in player salaries, with the possibility of million-dollar players for the first time in the league’s history. Salaries are now tied to a significant share of league revenue, leading to a fourfold increase from last season. This development signifies a major milestone for women’s sports and sets a new standard for player compensation and support.
The agreement comes after eight days of intense negotiations that spanned over 100 hours, culminating in a breakthrough at 2:20 a.m. on Wednesday. Both sides expressed their gratitude for reaching a deal and emphasized the historical significance of the agreement for women’s sports. The deal comes after the players opted out of their previous agreement 17 months ago, with talks often becoming contentious.
Revenue sharing and other key issues such as housing and franchise tags on players were significant hurdles in the negotiations. The players’ union executive committee members highlighted the importance of standing firm until their demands were met, emphasizing the value of their contributions to the league.
As the WNBA prepares for its 30th season, the league faces a tight timeline to finalize preparations for opening day on May 8. An expansion draft for new teams in Toronto and Portland is on the horizon, along with negotiations with over 80% of players who are free agents this offseason. Training camps are set to open on April 19, just six days after the college draft.
Despite the challenges, the league continues to grow in popularity, breaking its single-season attendance record in August and attracting millions of fans to games across the country. With the new collective bargaining agreement in place, the WNBA is poised for a successful and transformative season ahead.
