The WNBA players union has decided to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement, two years before its expiration. The league and players union had the option to do so before Nov. 1.
The early opt-out marks a crucial juncture for the league. The WNBA signed a historic 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million US a year.
The league had record attendance and viewership this year that culminated in the WNBA Finals that saw New York beat Minnesota in overtime on Sunday in a decisive fifth game.
The league has been skyrocketing, with 2024 marking a huge breakthrough after years of significant and sustained growth. ESPN had huge increases in ratings with viewership in the regular season going up 170 per cent, according to the union.
The current CBA will still cover the 2025 season so the two sides have a year to negotiate a new agreement.
Here’s what you need to know about CBA negotiations 📝 <a href=”https://t.co/1QytKaUpP8″>pic.twitter.com/1QytKaUpP8</a>
—@WNBA
“With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBAPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said.
The union said it was hoping for a new economic model that transforms the current system, which imposes arbitrary and restrictive caps on the value and benefits of players. The players want an equity-based model that grows and evolves with the league’s increased business success.
Other areas that the union would like to see improved include: salaries, retirement benefits, better child care and family planning benefits.
“This isn’t some sudden wake-up call. It’s the culmination of what we’ve been driving for over the last several seasons,” WNBPA vice president Kelsey Plum said. “We’ve played a key role in the league’s historic growth and now we’re breaking free from the current system to demand full transparency and an equitable stake in the business we’ve helped build.”
