WNBA CBA: Threat to Australian WNBL stars?

New WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Could Redefine Women’s Sports

The new WNBA collective agreement is set to mark a turning point in women’s sports. However, this progress could generate an exodus of talent from the WNBL. Currently, the American league is negotiating with the players’ union to reach an agreement before December 1st. It has been reported that the league has offered to increase the maximum salary to more than 1.1 million U.S. dollars. In addition, base salaries are expected to increase to $220,000, and the average salary will triple, exceeding the current $130,000. However, negotiations have stalled due to the union’s request that the players share revenue instead of receiving fixed salaries, as offered by the league.

It’s important to reach an agreement, but she warns that young players could leave Australia to go to the United States.
Steph Talbot, Opals player

Jade Melbourne, 23, a player for the Washington Mystics, acknowledges the physical impact of playing in the WNBA and then in the UC Capitals. Currently, there are at least nine WNBL players competing in both leagues.

For many Australian players who play in the WNBA, it will depend on how much they enjoy it, but also on what offers the best price. The way things are being discussed in the WNBA, that could be the option in the future.
Jade Melbourne

Wage growth and professionalization are crucial issues in women’s sports like the A-League Women (ALW). The average salary in the ALW is just over 30,000 Australian dollars, and a report by Professional Footballers Australia in November revealed that 76% of the players considered their financial situation as “not secure at all” or “slightly secure”.

If we achieve a groundbreaking agreement, it will be something very important and a model for all women’s sports.
Jade Melbourne

Melbourne believes the agreement will benefit the league, as five new teams plan to join by 2030. This includes Toronto next year, which will be led by Opals coach Sandy Brondello.