WNBA Proposal: Historic Salaries and Increased Revenue Sharing
The WNBA could be on the verge of finalizing a collective agreement that would transform the league’s salary structure. According to sources, the latest proposal would include a revenue-sharing system and significantly higher maximum salaries.
The proposal, presented during meetings this week, contemplates a maximum salary exceeding $1.1 million, available for more than one player per team, with an annual increase. In addition, the league’s minimum salary would exceed $220,000, with an average exceeding $460,000.
These salary increases would come into effect in the first year of the agreement for more than 180 players, and are expected to increase over the duration of the collective bargaining agreement.
The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expired on October 31, but the WNBA and the players’ union agreed to extend negotiations until November 30. This extension allows additional time to negotiate an agreement that could be revolutionary for players in terms of compensation.
The league’s proposal, described as a highly lucrative package, seeks to offer substantial increases compared to previous years and facilitate a quick conclusion of the negotiations.
The players exercised their right to opt out of the CBA last year, seeking, among other things, a greater distribution of revenue, higher salaries, better benefits, and a more flexible salary cap. When the last CBA expired in 2019, both sides agreed to a 60-day extension, with an agreement finally ratified in January 2020.
