Why WNBA players are opting out of the CBA and what comes next, explained

by admin October 22, 2024

written by admin October 22, 2024

Breanna Stewart #30 of the New York Liberty takes a shot over Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx during the second half during Game One of the WNBA Finals at the Barclays Center on October 10, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the league, starting the clock for a new deal to be agreed upon and ratified. What does it all mean? Why is it important?

First, we must understand what the WNBPA does and what a CBA is. The WNBPA is the labor union for the WNBA’s athletes. Its main job is to protect players’ rights and handle things such as filing grievances on behalf of players, counseling on benefits, post-career job opportunities, and CBA negotiations. A CBA is a written legal contract between an employer and the union representing its employees. This agreement with the WNBPA determines salary, player-friendly scheduling, benefits, marketing, etc.

Why would the WNBPA opt out of its current CBA now? After a historic season and a new media rights deal, there was actually a perfectly timed provision (with a November 1 deadline) to begin negotiations ahead of next season. This means the WNBPA and the league have until the end of the 2025 season to agree on a new CBA.

The WNBA is coming off a season that saw:

• Expansion news
• Increased franchise values
• Reg. season ESPN viewership up 170%
• A new media rights deal that will pay $2B per year starting in 2026

Now, the WNBPA is opting out of its current CBA.https://t.co/t2h5ABonZ4 pic.twitter.com/nFrOQVuNZw

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 22, 2024

Here are some of the top priorities the WNBPA will want to see addressed with the league:

New economic model for better wages that reflect the WNBA’s growth
Better Professional standards across the league, including, but not limited to, game and practice facilities
Lifelong benefits (Pregnancy and family planning, retirement benefits

How does the opt-out affect the WNBA? It instantly puts more pressure on the league to deliver and get it right.

ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike recently shared that while the WNBPA expects to complete a new deal to avoid a work stoppage, it’s prepared to take as long as necessary to ensure the best negotiations possible. (See the 1:31 mark of the clip below.)