WNBA: Revenue dispute and CBA pits league against players’ union

WNBA: Tension in Collective Bargaining Negotiations

The WNBA has presented a revenue-sharing proposal without a cap to its players, a measure that has generated mixed reactions in the context of collective bargaining negotiations. The league called the players’ union’s statement, which questions the proposal, “frustrating and counterproductive.” This exchange of statements occurs amidst negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, where the parties are trying to reach an agreement that benefits both. The players’ union had previously expressed its position regarding the distribution of salaries and income, a key point in the negotiations. The discussion focuses on whether the model will be fixed or linked to specific growth indicators. The league is trying to “run out the clock, gloss over an unfavorable situation, and revive a system that is not tied to any part of the business and intentionally undervalues the players.” The union also questioned the league’s transparency and accountability. The league responded directly to the union’s claims, denying that a revenue-sharing model without a cap had not been offered.

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 argues that its proposals include a revenue-sharing component that would increase player compensation as league revenue increases, with no upper limit. The WNBA expressed its frustration over what it considers “misrepresentations” by the union, accusing them of delaying negotiations. The league claims to have presented comprehensive proposals and is ready to continue negotiating in good faith. The current collective bargaining agreement, signed in January 2020, expires on October 31st. However, not meeting that deadline does not imply an automatic lockout. The league and the union could agree on an extension to have more time to reach an agreement, as has happened in previous negotiations.