WNBA CBA Negotiations: A Look at the Stakes and the Tactics

The Countdown to the Deadline

As we stand just ten days out from the WNBA's deadline for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the atmosphere is thick with tension. One year ago, the players' association, led by Nneka Ogwumike, boldly opted out of their current agreement, signaling a defining moment in the league's trajectory. Their demand? An overhaul towards an economic model rooted in equity. Aiming to secure their rightful place in the business they have propelled, the stakes could not be higher.

“Claiming our rightful share of the business we've built,” Ogwumike noted, encapsulating the ambition that fuels the players' determination.

However, just as the clock ticks toward the October 31 expiration, uncertainty lingers. WNBPA senior advisor Erin Drake recently voiced her lack of confidence in reaching a resolution by the deadline on the "Good Game with Sarah Spain" podcast.

A Year of Growing Frustration

The past year has not been without strife. Players have expressed their discontent about the languid pace of negotiations. In September, Napheesa Collier criticized the WNBA leadership as possibly the worst in the world, her comments echoing the frustrations shared by many. Such sentiments signify a broader push against complacency within league leadership.

With the 2025 season wrapped up, player focus now vehemently shifts to the bargaining table. WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson maintains that the players are “laser-focused” on what they intend to achieve. There's an air of defiance among the players; they remain resolute in their pursuit of fair pay, with Jackson asserting, “What they said a year ago holds true today.”

Navigating the Nuances of Negotiation

The WNBA's negotiating parties don't consist solely of a handful of staff. Instead, when the league and WNBPA engage in negotiations, the room often brims with stakeholders from various sides. The league, represented by its commissioner Cathy Engelbert and legal counsel, encounters a robust union team comprising player representatives, executive committee members, and outside advisors—33 players in total.

The negotiations have had their ups and downs, consistent in-depth sessions held periodically, yet the player leadership remains vigilant about progress. Both sides initially convened for discussions as early as December, laying the groundwork for what has evolved into a consequential dialogue.

The Salary Standoff

At the heart of the current stalemate lies a fundamental disagreement concerning salaries. The players advocate for a revenue-based salary cap, akin to the NBA's model, which ties player salaries directly to the league's earnings. In contrast, the league proposes a fixed-rate increase—3% annually as per the current agreement. It's a crucial divergence that highlights the players' demand for recognition in an ever-advancing business environment.

“When the players opted out a year ago, they made it clear they wanted a salary system that values their labor,” Jackson affirmed.

Engelbert has echoed the sentiment that the league remains committed to improving player salaries, citing a comprehensive proposal that promises significant cap increases and an uncapped revenue sharing model. However, players have remained skeptical of these assurances, feeling that such offers fail to address the core issue of equitable compensation.

Pressure and the Path Ahead

As the deadline looms, players have voiced concerns that a potential lockout could be on the horizon. However, it's essential to consider that past agreements have often resulted in extensions. Engelbert herself referenced possible extensions during the WNBA Finals press briefing, reminiscent of previous negotiations that saw delays in reaching a consensus.

The challenges of pending expansion drafts for new teams in Toronto and Portland add pressure to the already fraught negotiations. The lack of defined parameters for the expansion draft could hinder roster decisions for the upcoming season—a scenario that all stakeholders are keen to avoid.

What Does the Future Hold?

The CBA's expiration date casts a long shadow; yet history shows that deadlines can often catalyze movement. As the league gears up for what could be a pivotal turning point in the WNBA's history, I am optimistic that with adequate dialogue, both sides can negotiate a fair deal that acknowledges the players' contributions to the league and secure a future where women's basketball continues to flourish.

Conclusion: A Fair Game?

The upcoming days will be crucial. As we dive deeper into these complex negotiations, let's remember that this isn't merely about contract terms; it's about equity, recognition, and respect for a league that has weathered challenges and nurtured remarkable talent. Will the WNBA players get what they rightfully deserve? Only time—and perhaps a bit of urgency—will tell.