In-Depth Analysis of WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations: Perspectives from Management
In the world of professional sports, collective bargaining negotiations often present challenges, and the WNBA is no exception. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, along with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, and team owners, have tried to show a united front, highlighting that both parties seek continued growth and prosperity for the players. However, the Players Association has adopted a more energetic stance, expressing criticism of the league’s negotiation tactics, especially through Napheesa Collier, a member of the executive committee of the Minnesota Lynx, who has questioned Engelbert’s leadership.
In the midst of this process, it’s crucial to understand the management’s perspective. With the rapid increase in the valuation of WNBA franchises, a new television deal starting in 2026, and expansion to 18 teams by 2030, the league seems to be at its financial best since its launch in 1997. Management considers it essential to maintain this financial growth to ensure the profitability of the business, while also rewarding the players, who are the main drivers of this success.Cathy Engelbert assumed the role of WNBA commissioner in July 2019, right in the middle of the previous collective bargaining negotiations. Six years later, the landscape has changed significantly. Despite the difficulties caused by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, Engelbert has led the league through a period of remarkable growth, including a media rights deal for $2.2 billion, franchise valuations reaching hundreds of millions of dollars, and an expansion that will take the league from 12 teams in 2020-24 to a record 18 by 2030.
However, the last few months of her management have been turbulent, marked by criticism of the management of the referees and the statements of Napheesa Collier, who harshly criticized the leadership of the WNBA. Now, Engelbert faces the challenge of negotiating a “transformative” agreement that not only significantly increases the salaries and compensation of the players, but also incentivizes the continued investment of the owners and ensures the long-term viability of the league.
The question about Engelbert’s continuation as commissioner is relevant. Although she has expressed her commitment, the final decision could depend on Adam Silver and the owners.Adam Silver, who has been involved with the NBA since 1992 and witnessed the launch of the WNBA in 1997, has named two leaders of the women’s league: Lisa Borders and Cathy Engelbert. It is believed that Silver seeks for the WNBA to operate with as much independence as possible under the NBA umbrella. The recent financial progress of the WNBA seems to have increased Silver’s involvement, especially with the interest of more NBA franchises in owning WNBA teams.
This could put pressure on the working relationship between Silver and Engelbert, as demonstrated by the situation with the Connecticut Sun team and its possible sale. Silver, like his predecessor David Stern, aspires for the WNBA to consolidate financially as an essential part of the NBA’s global brand. This collective bargaining agreement could largely define Silver’s legacy in the WNBA.
The Impact of Landlords on Negotiations
The WNBA owners are divided into two main categories: millionaires and billionaires. The willingness to invest varies between these groups. Joe Tsai, owner of the New York Liberty, has demonstrated his commitment to the franchise. Other owners like Joe Lacob (Golden State Valkyries), Mark Davis (Las Vegas Aces), and Mat Ishbia (Phoenix) share this vision, investing in state-of-the-art facilities and seeking greater returns. These owners, who also own NBA teams or other professional sports teams, may be more willing to offer players a larger share of the revenue, relying on the profits generated by attendance, jersey sales, and other sources of income. They view the WNBA as an investment, which implies greater reinvestment in the product to ensure its growth.
The Crucial Role of Independent Owners
Independent owners played a vital role in keeping the WNBA afloat in the early years. However, they are now being outmaneuvered by NBA owners, who recognize the renewed financial potential of women’s basketball. The sale of the Connecticut Sun team has been complicated, as the WNBA prioritizes bidders from the recent expansion, which included Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, all with NBA ownership.
These independent owners, with more limited resources, focus on controlling expenses and maintaining equality. They argue in favor of recovering losses suffered in the past, when WNBA revenues were lower. Despite this, they have demonstrated their commitment to the league, as evidenced by the construction of state-of-the-art training facilities for the Storm team.
The Impact of Expansion Teams
After the successful inaugural season of the Valkyries, there are five new teams awaiting their debut. The new owners have invested significantly in the WNBA expansion, with an expansion fee of $250 million for Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia. The expansion teams, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, which will start in 2026, are eagerly awaiting a new collective bargaining agreement, as the rules for the expansion draft must be collectively bargained, which will affect the construction of their rosters.
The Vital Role of General Managers
Although general managers are not directly represented in the negotiations, the rules of the collective bargaining agreement directly impact the construction of the rosters and the financial distribution between owners and players. Executives, whose role is now full-time, will be attentive to the flexibility that the new agreement can offer them. The WNBA’s salary cap, compared to the NBA, has forced difficult decisions. The limitation of protected salaries per team is a restriction that seems to have lost its usefulness. General managers must also know how the WNBA will handle the upcoming expansion drafts.
Coaches’ Perspective on Negotiations
Coaches like Cheryl Reeve, Sandy Brondello, and Becky Hammon, with experience both on and off the court, will be directly affected by the new collective bargaining agreement. This agreement will influence aspects such as prioritization rules, roster size, and team building. The improvement in refereeing, if addressed in the agreement, will also be crucial for coaches.
Reeve, Brondello, and Hammon, advocates for women’s empowerment, want players to be respected and empowered. However, they have also witnessed financial difficulties in the league. They seek not only the financial stability of the WNBA, but also its continued growth. Although they are not directly involved in the negotiations, their investment in the future of the league is significant.
