The WNBA and its Players’ Association have agreed to extend their current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) for 30 days.
Yes, instead of finalizing a new deal, both sides decided to give themselves one more month to talk it out, negotiate, and maybe throw in a few polite arguments over coffee.
“The WNBPA Executive Committee agreed to the league’s proposed 30-day extension of the current CBA, with the condition that the players may terminate the extension at any time with 48 hours’ notice,” read a statement from the players’ association.
“While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league.”
Fans are breathing a sigh of relief, especially since the league is doing well financially. WNBA is finally getting the attention it deserves. Everyone wants to keep that momentum rolling, not kill it with labor drama.
ESPN reported Tuesday that the WNBA had offered the players’ association the extension of the CBA, following a similar path to the most recent round of CBA negotiations after the 2019 season, when the two sides agreed to a 60-day extension before agreeing to a new deal in January 2020.
There have been multiple meetings this week between the WNBA and WNBPA as part of negotiations, which have centered on how the league’s salary cap is determined. The WNBA has proposed sizable increases to the league’s minimum and maximum salaries, reflecting increased revenue generated by the WNBA since the last CBA was signed.
Still, you can bet there are some spicy discussions on the table. Players have been pushing for better pay, and it seems there would be positive talks around the table this time around.
There have been multiple meetings this week between the WNBA and WNBPA as part of negotiations, which have centered on how the league’s salary cap is determined. The WNBA has proposed sizable increases to the league’s minimum and maximum salaries, reflecting increased revenue generated by the WNBA since the last CBA was signed.
Though the league’s proposal maintains revenue targets that could allow players to share in future growth, the salary cap would remain fixed during the deal if those targets are not met. The WNBPA has countered with offers that would tie the salary cap to basketball-related income, similar to the way the NBA, NFL and NHL have long operated.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) also adopted a model that shares revenue in its most recent CBA, signed last year.
The WNBA and WNBPA have traded sharp words over the current disconnect.
One thing’s for sure, all eyes will be on what happens next month. Will they strike a deal or need another extension? Well, we are waiting and waiting!
