Historic New Agreement in the WNBA: A Promising Future
NEW YORK – The WNBA Board of Governors unanimously ratified the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement on Tuesday. This seven-year agreement marks a significant milestone for the league and its players. The board’s vote came a day after the players also unanimously approved the agreement, which will take effect this season and run through 2032.The lawyers of both parties are finalizing the drafting of the complete agreement, which is expected to be ready soon. The regular season will begin on May 8. Before the start of the season, an expansion draft will be held for the two new teams: Toronto and Portland. The rules on which players the current teams will be able to protect and how the draft will work are still being defined. This event is expected to take place around the Final Four. Subsequently, the free agency period will open. More than 80% of the league’s players are free agents this year, as their contracts expired last year. There are only two veteran players, who are not under rookie contracts, who are signed for this season. The university draft is scheduled for April 13 in New York. Teams are expected to begin their training camps on April 19, which will give them little time to prepare for the regular season.“This marks the beginning of a bold new era for the WNBA, one that is made possible by the passion and dedication of the players, team owners, fans, investors, partners, and the entire WNBA family,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
