WNBA: CBA negotiations on the brink, is the season in danger?

Tension in the WNBA: CBA Negotiations and the Future of the Season

Nashville, Tenn. – The atmosphere on the basketball court feels tense. Players run and prepare for the first full weekend of games with Athletes Unlimited, while negotiations for the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) remain stalled. Nneka Ogwumike, president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, watches from the baseline, with the shadow of a possible strike looming over the league. Less than three months before the scheduled start of the WNBA season, discussions about the salary structure and revenue distribution remain stalled. Ogwumike, along with the union’s executive director, Terri Jackson, is in Nashville to inform the players about the progress in the search for a “transformative” agreement.

I feel like it’s not imminent at this point. It’s still early February, we’re still working on it. So I think we’re still in a wait-and-see game for the moment.

Brianna Turner, treasurer of the executive committee

On February 6, the league presented a revised proposal that included concessions on housing and facility standards, but no significant changes in revenue distribution.

Meanwhile, Athletes Unlimited began its fifth season on February 4 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Unlike other leagues, Athletes Unlimited does not position itself as a showcase for WNBA superstars. Of the 40 athletes who play in AU, 26 appeared on WNBA rosters last season, with different contracts and roles.

This group of players has the most at stake in the negotiations. Guaranteed contracts, maternity leave policies, and housing are crucial issues. In a survey of a dozen AU players with WNBA ties, their perspectives on the league’s situation and CBA negotiations were explored.

Cautious Optimism and Financial Concerns

The players expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of the WNBA season starting on time on May 8, with an average score of 6.1 on a scale of 1 to 10. The responses varied, but most reflected an attitude of uncertainty in the face of the stalled negotiations.

I think we’ll have a season. I don’t know if it will be the whole season.

WNBA Player

Regarding the consequences of losing a WNBA salary, most players stated that they would be fine, thanks to their savings and other sources of income. However, some highlighted the importance of the salary to support their families and their passion for the sport.

It would impact me immensely. It’s my job, so it would be a big problem.

WNBA Player

Anxiety Level and Representation in Negotiations

Despite the uncertainty, the players’ anxiety about the negotiations was low, averaging 3.2 on a scale of 1 to 10. Most are confident that the situation will be resolved favorably. Regarding representation in negotiations, the players expressed that they feel heard, especially those who are not the highest earners in the league. They highlighted the importance of considering the needs of all WNBA members, not just the superstars.

I feel that this representation is very different from the last CBA negotiations. We are being louder.

WNBA Player

Communication and Clear Priorities

The communication from the union leadership was well-regarded, with an average score of 9 on a scale of 1 to 10. The players feel informed about the ongoing negotiations. In addition to salaries and income distribution, the players pointed to housing and retirement benefits as important priorities in the negotiations.