New WNBA Agreement: A Watershed Moment with Potential Implications
The WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) could set a precedent for other women’s sports, but it also risks diverting talent from the WNBL. The American league is currently in negotiations with the players’ union to reach an agreement before December 1 (AEDT). It has been reported that the league has offered to increase the maximum salary to more than $1.1 million US dollars. Base salaries are also expected to increase to $220,000 U.S. dollars, and the average salary will more than triple, surpassing the current $130,000 U.S. dollars. However, negotiations have stalled because the union seeks for the players to share the revenue instead of earning fixed salaries, as the league offers.Jade Melbourne, 23, a player for the Washington Mystics, admits that her body is feeling the wear and tear of playing in the WNBA and then with the UC Capitals. Currently, there are at least nine WNBL players competing in both leagues.It’s important to reach an agreement, but she warns that young players could leave Australia to go to the United States.
Steph Talbot, New York Liberty and Opals player
Wage growth and professionalization are crucial points in women’s sports, such as the A-League Women (ALW). The average salary in the ALW is just over $30,000 Australian dollars, and a report by Professional Footballers Australia in November found that 76% of the players reported their financial situation as “not at all” or “slightly” secure.For many of the Australian players who play in the WNBA, it will depend on how much they enjoy it, but also what the best price is. The way they are talking in the WNBA, that could be the option to follow.
Jade Melbourne, player for the Washington Mystics
Melbourne views the agreement as something that will benefit the league itself, as five new teams plan to join by 2030. This includes Toronto next year, which will be led by Opals coach Sandy Brondello.If we can reach a groundbreaking agreement, it will be something very important and something that all women’s sports can model. We are not doing this just for the 156 players who were in the WNBA this season. This agreement will have much more importance for many people.
Jade Melbourne, player for the Washington Mystics
The league doesn’t see some of the best players in Europe, and some people won’t come because… they’re better off at home. Once they come out with the highest salaries and the best salary cap… we’ll see the WNBA reach another level.
Jade Melbourne, Washington Mystics player
