The WNBA at a Crossroads: Key Negotiations for the Future
In the world of women’s basketball, the WNBA’s collective bargaining negotiations are at a crucial moment. Both the league’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, and the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, along with the team owners, have tried to present the negotiation process as a joint effort for the league’s growth and the well-being of the players. However, the Players Association has adopted a more forceful stance, publicly expressing their criticisms and discontent with the league’s negotiation tactics, especially through figures like Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx.
In the midst of this process, the league is in a favorable financial position, with a new television agreement that will begin in 2026 and the expansion to 18 teams by 2030. The management’s perspective is clear: to ensure the continued financial growth of the league, while rewarding the players for their fundamental role in this success.
The original deadline for the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) of October 31st was extended by 30 days, until the end of November. As negotiations progress, it is crucial to analyze what is at stake for the players and the management’s perspective.Cathy Engelbert assumed the role of WNBA commissioner in July 2019, right in the middle of the previous CBA negotiations. Six years later, the league has experienced remarkable growth, including a media rights deal for $2.2 billion, franchise valuations reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, and an expansion that will bring the league to 18 teams by 2030. However, the last months of her tenure have been challenging, with criticism about officiating and the explosive interview of Napheesa Collier, who harshly criticized the WNBA’s leadership.
Engelbert now faces the task of negotiating a “transformative” agreement that significantly increases players’ salaries and compensation, incentivizing owners’ investment and ensuring the long-term viability of the league. The question of her continuation as commissioner will depend on the decisions of Adam Silver and the owners.Adam Silver, who has been involved in the development and launch of the WNBA since the 1990s, seeks for the league to function independently under the umbrella of the NBA. The financial progress of the WNBA has led Silver to get more involved, especially with the interest of more NBA franchises in the women’s league. This dynamic could put pressure on the labor relationship between Silver and Engelbert.
Like his predecessor, David Stern, Silver wants the WNBA to consolidate financially as an important part of the NBA’s global brand. The new CBA could be crucial in defining Silver’s legacy in the WNBA.The WNBA owners are divided into two main categories: millionaires and billionaires. Billionaires, such as Joe Tsai (New York Liberty), Joe Lacob (Golden State Valkyries), Mark Davis (Las Vegas Aces), and Mat Ishbia (Phoenix), are usually more willing to invest in their teams to obtain higher returns. These owners, who also own NBA teams or other professional sports teams, see the WNBA as an investment and are willing to invest more in it.Independent owners, such as those of the Seattle Storm and Connecticut Sun, have been key to keeping the WNBA afloat. Although they are now in the minority, due to the growing interest of NBA owners, their focus is on limiting expenses and maintaining a level playing field. They are also looking to recover losses incurred in the past. Investment in infrastructure, such as the Storm’s WNBA-specific practice facility, demonstrates their commitment.With the successful debut season of the Valkyries, five new teams are added. Expansion teams, such as the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, are eagerly awaiting a new CBA, as the rules for the expansion draft must be collectively bargained. These teams will not be able to build their rosters until a new agreement is reached.Although general managers are not directly represented in the negotiations, the rules of the CBA directly impact the construction of the rosters and the financial distribution between the owners and the players. Executives hope to gain greater flexibility in the new CBA. The rigid salary cap of the WNBA has forced difficult decisions. General managers must also know how the upcoming expansion drafts will be handled.Coaches like Cheryl Reeve, Sandy Brondello, and Becky Hammon will be impacted by the new CBA, which will affect decisions about arbitration, prioritization, and roster size. Reeve, with experience both on and off the court, and former players Brondello and Hammon, understand the importance of this CBA. The coaches are committed to empowering and respecting the players. They want the WNBA to be financially stable and continue its growth.
The future of the WNBA hinges on the outcomes of these key negotiations. The resulting agreement will determine the league’s direction, the well-being of the players, and the continued growth of women’s basketball.
