WNBA CBA: Threat to Australian WNBL stars?

New WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement: A Turning Point with Potential Implications

The WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to mark a turning point in women’s sports. However, this progress could have consequences for the Australian WNBL league. The American league is in negotiations with the players’ union to reach an agreement before December 1 (AEDT). It has been reported that the WNBA has offered to increase the maximum salary to more than $1.1 million US dollars. Base salaries are also expected to increase to $220,000 U.S. dollars, and the average salary will triple, surpassing the current $130,000 dollars. Despite this, negotiations have stalled because the union wants the players to share revenue instead of receiving fixed salaries, as offered by the league.

It is important that an agreement is reached, but she warns that young players could leave Australia to go to the United States.

Steph Talbot, New York Liberty and Opals player

Talbot, star of the Adelaide Lightning, commented that young players could prioritize the development of their skills and physical rest. “If I were younger and earned good money playing in the United States, it would definitely be an option,” she added. Jade Melbourne, 23, a player for the Washington Mystics, acknowledges that her body feels the strain of playing in the WNBA and then with 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 satisfaction, but also on the best economic offer. The way things are being discussed in the WNBA could be the option to follow.

Jade Melbourne, Washington Mystics player

Melbourne also added that, although the inactivity bothers him, there could come a point where the United States is his best option for having an off-season. 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, player for the Washington Mystics

Melbourne views the agreement as beneficial for the league itself, as the incorporation of five new teams is planned for 2030, including Toronto next year, which will be led by Opals coach Sandy Brondello.

The league doesn’t see some of the best players in Europe, and some won’t come because… they’re better off at home. Once they have the highest salaries and the best salary cap… we’ll see the WNBA reach another level.

Jade Melbourne, player for the Washington Mystics