News Summary
WNBA players are in critical negotiations with league leadership to secure a new collective bargaining agreement before its expiration. They advocate for a salary structure tied to the league’s revenue growth, seeking significant increases in pay while highlighting recent league successes, such as rising attendance and a new media deal. Players express concerns over roster sizes, travel accommodations, and officiating standards. As negotiations continue, the urgency is heightened by upcoming franchise expansions and free agency, making this a pivotal moment for the league and its players.
New York City – WNBA players are in critical negotiations with league leadership as they seek a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that expires on October 31. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has indicated players can expect a substantial increase in salaries, emphasizing that the discussion should center on “absolute numbers” rather than revenue percentages. The WNBA Players Association (WNBPA), which opted out of the current CBA a year ago, is advocating for a salary structure that aligns player compensation with the league’s revenue growth.
The WNBA’s current salary cap for 2025 is set at $1,507,100, with super-maximum contracts reaching $249,244 and minimum salaries at $66,079. The players are calling for a salary system similar to the NBA, where salaries are tied to basketball-related income (BRI), allowing for greater earnings as league revenues grow. Currently, the WNBA’s salary cap increases by a fixed rate of 3% annually, which players argue fails to reflect the league’s expanding financial landscape.
Recent statistics show significant growth in the WNBA, including increased attendance, higher viewership, rising merchandise sales, and investments leading to elevated franchise values. Additionally, a new $2.2 billion media deal is on the horizon, further highlighting the league’s upward trajectory. Despite this progress, players contend that their earnings have not kept pace and that the existing CBA results in a decreasing percentage of compensation in relation to the league’s financial expansion.
Amid these discussions, notable player voices, such as Phoenix Mercury’s Satou Sabally and Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier, have aired frustrations regarding their perceived undervaluation in the current financial model. Concerns have also been raised about roster sizes, the demand for charter flights for all teams, and the quality of officiating in games. Players feel these issues contribute to a lack of adequate support and recognition of their contributions to the league’s success.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has acknowledged the challenge of balancing salary increases with the long-term sustainability of the league, especially given plans for future expansion. The urgency of negotiations is heightened by the impending expansion draft for the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire and the upcoming free agency period for several veteran players.
If an agreement is not reached by the end of October, the WNBPA and the league may pursue an extension, as has occurred in previous CBA negotiations. Silver has reiterated the importance of larger revenue shares for WNBA players. However, he insists that player compensation should not be viewed through the lens of percentages alone, suggesting a more nuanced consideration of overall salary dynamics.
The ongoing discussions signal a pivotal moment for the WNBA, as players seek to redefine their place within a rapidly evolving sports landscape. Repairing the relationship between the league’s players and its leadership remains essential for achieving a successful outcome in these negotiations, as expressed by both parties involved.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: WNBA Players Expect Big Increase in Salaries
- Wikipedia: WNBA
- CBS Sports: Adam Silver Says WNBA Players Will Get Big Increase
- Google Search: WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement
- New York Times: Adam Silver on WNBA Player’s Pay Increase
- Encyclopedia Britannica: WNBA
- Sportico: WNBA Offseason CBA Negotiations
- Google News: WNBA CBA Negotiations
- Sports Illustrated: Rebecca Lobo on WNBA’s CBA Negotiations
- Google Scholar: WNBA Salaries
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
