WNBA Negotiations: Perspectives from Management and the Impact of the New CBA
In the world of women’s basketball, labor negotiations often portray management as the “villain.” However, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league’s owners seek common ground: the continued growth of the league and the prosperity of the players.
The Players Association, on the other hand, has been more active in public opinion, criticizing the league’s negotiation tactics. Napheesa Collier, a member of the executive committee of the Minnesota Lynx, has been especially critical of Engelbert’s leadership.
The WNBA is in a promising financial moment, with the increase in the value of franchises and a new television deal that begins in 2026. In addition, expansion to 18 teams is expected by 2030, demonstrating the strength of the league since its launch in 1997.
The management’s perspective in these negotiations focuses on maintaining the financial growth of the league to ensure its profitability, rewarding the players for their key 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. Amid ongoing negotiations, what’s at stake for the players in this upcoming CBA is being analyzed.Cathy Engelbert assumed the role of WNBA commissioner in July 2019, just before the previous CBA negotiations. Six years later, the league has experienced significant growth, including a media rights deal for $2.2 billion and expansion to 18 teams by 2030.
However, Engelbert’s recent months have been complicated, with criticisms of the league and an explosive interview by Collier, who harshly criticized the WNBA’s leadership.
Engelbert seeks a “transformative” agreement that increases salaries and compensates the players, incentivizing the owners’ investment and ensuring the long-term viability of the league. Engelbert’s continuation as commissioner will depend on the decisions of Adam Silver and the owners.Adam Silver, NBA commissioner, has witnessed the development and launch of the WNBA. Under his leadership, the WNBA is expected to operate independently, although the league’s financial progress has led Silver to become more involved.
The potential sale of the Connecticut Sun and communication among stakeholders are examples of the pressure Silver faces. His legacy in the WNBA could be defined by this CBA.
Millionaire and Billionaire Owners
There are two categories of owners in the WNBA: millionaires and billionaires. Joe Tsai, owner of the New York Liberty, has demonstrated his commitment to the franchise, investing in improvements and charter flights. 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.
These owners, who also own NBA or other professional sports teams, might be more willing to give players a larger share of revenue, relying on profits from attendance, jersey sales, and other revenue streams. They view the WNBA as a long-term investment.
Independent Owners
These owners kept the WNBA afloat in its early days. Currently, they are at a numerical disadvantage due to the renewed interest of NBA owners. The potential sale of the Sun complicates the situation, as the WNBA prioritizes bidders from the last round of expansion.
Despite their limited resources, these owners focus on limiting expenses and maintaining a level playing field. They also advocate for the recovery of losses incurred in the operation of their franchises when WNBA revenues were not as strong. The Storm built the second practice facility specifically for the WNBA, which opened in 2024.
Expansion Teams
After the successful debut season of the Valkyries, there are five new teams on the way. The ownership groups of the Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia teams (which also have NBA teams) paid $250 million for the expansion, not including investment in practice facilities. The Portland and Toronto teams, which do not share the same ownership group, are also joining.
Expansion teams eagerly await the new CBA, as the rules for the expansion draft must be collectively bargained, preventing them from building their rosters until an agreement is reached.
General Managers
Although not directly represented at the negotiating table, general managers (GMs) are affected by the CBA rules, which govern roster construction and financial distribution between owners and players. Executives, whose role has become full-time, will observe the flexibility that the new CBA grants them.
The WNBA’s salary cap has generated difficult decisions. GMs also need to know how the league will handle the upcoming expansion drafts, starting with Portland and Toronto.
Coaches
The new CBA will impact coaches in several aspects, including the prioritization and size of the rosters. The improvement in refereeing, if addressed in the CBA, will also be crucial for coaches.
The coaches, defenders of the empowerment of the players, have also witnessed difficult financial times in the league. Although they do not participate directly in the negotiations, they are very involved.
