WNBA: CBA negotiations on the brink, What happens if there’s no agreement?

The Future of the WNBA at Stake: CBA Negotiations at a Crossroads

As Thanksgiving recedes and December approaches, the WNBA faces a crucial decision. The current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) expires this Sunday, following a 30-day extension agreed upon before Halloween. Everything indicates that an agreement will not be reached by Sunday. What will happen then with the negotiations between the league and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA)? And under what conditions could a work stoppage occur?

Possible Scenarios

If no agreement is reached at the end of the 30 days, the parties could agree to another extension to continue negotiations. However, if there is no extension, a “status quo” period would apply, maintaining the current conditions of the CBA. This does not automatically mean a work stoppage, but it does open the door to the possibility of a player strike or a lockout by the owners.

Another extension is a logical measure for both parties to continue negotiating in good faith and move closer to finalizing an agreement.

Alofoke Deportes

Prolonged labor uncertainty has real business implications. The league and the players face unique time pressure this year, especially with the expansion draft for the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo teams, which can only occur after a new CBA is completed. Free agency, with almost all league veterans available, is shaping up to be a “Wild West”. The offseason could be compressed, affecting draft and signing deadlines.

Key Points in Negotiations

The WNBA’s proposal, which included significant salary increases and a revenue-sharing component, was not well received by the WNBPA. The main point of disagreement is the salary system. The players are seeking a model that links the salary cap and salaries to the league’s revenue, similar to the NBA. The players do not agree with a fixed salary cap and prefer a system more directly related to revenue. The league, for its part, has proposed a revenue-sharing model without a cap that adjusts to the growth of the business.

Impact on Expansion

The expansion draft for Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo is on hold. Uncertainty delays team planning. The draft format, which determines which players from other teams will be eligible to join the new teams, depends on the new CBA.

Priorities at the Negotiation Table

The players’ priorities include salaries, revenue sharing, professional standards in facilities, and the league’s charter travel program. Retirement benefits and family planning are also discussed. The league seeks to increase salaries and benefits, incentivizing owners to invest. League expansion and roster limits are also key issues. The league aims to maintain the May to October schedule, with possible extensions until November.

The Role of Alternative Leagues

Competition from leagues like Unrivaled and Project B, which offer higher salaries, could influence negotiations. While the WNBA does not seek exclusivity from players, these alternative leagues could put pressure on negotiations.

Draft Eligibility

Eligibility for the WNBA draft has not been a central topic in the negotiations so far.

Where are the negotiations before the November 30 deadline?Negotiations continue and the parties will meet during the week and weekend before the Sunday deadline.