WNBA Rebuts Union’s Accusations About Revenue Sharing

WNBA: Tension in Collective Bargaining Negotiations

The WNBA has presented a revenue-sharing proposal without a cap to its players, an offer that has generated controversy and debate. The league expressed its frustration at the statements of the players’ association, calling them “counterproductive”. This exchange of communications is part of the negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between the league and the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA).

The league is trying to “run out the clock, patch up a system that is not tied to any part of the business and that intentionally undervalues the players.”

Statements from the Players Association

The WNBA denied the association’s claims, defending the validity of its proposal. The league assures that its offer includes an unlimited revenue sharing model, directly linked to the league’s performance, which would allow for an increase in player compensation as revenue grows.

It is incorrect and surprising that the Players Association claims that the WNBA has not offered a revenue-sharing model without a cap that is directly linked to the league’s performance.

WNBA Statement

The league also expressed its discontent over the association’s alleged “false representations” and its refusal to participate in meaningful negotiations on various terms proposed by the WNBA.

The current collective agreement, signed in January 2020, expires on October 31st. However, the fact that this deadline is not met does not automatically imply a lockout. The league and the association could agree on an extension to have more time to reach an agreement, as has happened in previous negotiations.