WNBA and Players' Union Engage in Sixth Consecutive Day of CBA Negotiations
The WNBA and its players' union are meeting for a sixth straight day on Sunday, intensifying efforts to finalise a new collective bargaining agreement in a timely manner. The goal is to prevent any potential disruptions to the upcoming season, which is scheduled to commence on May 8. This marathon week of discussions has seen the two sides convene for over 60 hours since their first in-person bargaining session on Tuesday.
Key Sticking Points: Revenue Sharing and Housing Benefits
Revenue sharing and housing remain the primary obstacles in the negotiations. Nneka Ogwumike, the union's president, emphasised the importance of these issues, stating on Saturday, "It's very important for us to nail those two things down, which is I think the biggest thing on the agenda today. So we want to make sure that we can get that." The league has proposed using net revenue—revenue after expenses—while the union has focused on gross revenue—revenue before expenses.
Initially, the union sought 40% of gross revenue over a year ago, but this figure was reduced to 26% before the in-person sessions began on Tuesday. Conversely, the league had offered more than 70% of net revenue for the players. Ogwumike highlighted the significance of housing, noting, "Housing is big, and housing is really big. I think that perhaps people understanding this negotiation or learning about it has really shown how meaningful something like a housing benefit is, especially for the women in the W."
Housing Proposals and Transitional Plans
Historically, teams have covered player housing in the WNBA, but the league aims to amend this in the new CBA. According to a person familiar with the negotiations who spoke anonymously due to sensitivity, the union initially requested that teams continue paying for housing in the early years of the agreement. However, in the final two years, franchises would not be required to cover housing for players earning near the maximum salary.
In response, the league proposed continuing to pay for all players' housing in the upcoming season, then shifting to cover only rookies and players on minimum salaries. Additionally, the league would fund housing for the two developmental players being added to teams throughout the CBA's duration. Ogwumike explained the transitional approach, saying, "We're trying to enter into this transitional space where we are now making enough money to be able to take care of that, but we're not quite at the point where we can eliminate it outright."
Urgency to Avoid Season Delays
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stressed the need to reach an agreement by Monday to minimise disruptions. She remarked on Friday night, "Can things be 24 to 48 hours later than maybe a date that we put on a piece of paper just to get everybody understanding there is a basketball calendar here? Can things be 24 to 48 hours later? Sure. But not much more before you start to look at, you know, can we open training camp up, that kind of stuff."
The league's preseason is set to begin with two games on April 25, featuring Caitlin Clark and Indiana visiting New York, along with Seattle playing Golden State. Engelbert expressed concern, noting, "We have a fairly short preseason. We have preseason games scheduled on April 25. That's what I first worry about. Those are some great games." Before these games, critical events include an expansion draft for Portland and Toronto, free agency affecting 80% of the league, and the college draft.
As negotiations continue, both sides are working diligently to resolve these key issues and ensure a smooth start to the season, with all eyes on the outcome of these marathon talks.
