A WNBA Lockout Could Be Coming After Decision By Players
Yesterday at 04:37 PM
Professional sports leagues aren't immune to lockouts, as we've seen them in the NFL, the NHL, the NBA and MLB over the past couple of decades. Could the WNBA be next?
It's possible. On Monday, the WNBA Players' Association announced that they were opting out of their Collective Bargaining Agreement with the league. The current CBA, which was agreed on in 2020, featured an opt-out clause following the 2024 season, and the league's players are utilizing that. They will be negotiating for higher salaries, better accommodations and much more. The WNBA is coming off a record season in 2024, with high television ratings and increased attendance, but the league is still not in great shape revenue wise.
"The WNBPA Board of Player Representatives and WNBPA Executive Committee have decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA/WNBPA CBA on behalf of the collective. It's Business," the WNBA Players' Association announced on Monday.
The WNBA and the WNBA Players' Association has about a year to negotiate a new deal, or we'll be getting a lockout.
The league has serious momentum, so a lockout in 2025 would be devastating, but it could be necessary for the league's players to get what they want. The players are seeking "a business model that reflects their true value, encompassing higher salaries, enhanced professional working conditions, expanded health benefits, and crucial investments needed for long-term growth." The players had until Nov. 1 to opt out of the current deal.
WNBA players make peanuts compared to NBA players. The league's highest paid player is making $250,000 and rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese make $72,000. The NBA's biggest stars, meanwhile, are making more than $50 million per season. Of course, the difference in revenue between the two leagues is vast, but WNBA players are hoping to inch closer.
The WNBA has made changes, like getting chartered flights for teams and expanding to new cities.
"The players made the decision to opt out of the last CBA to realign the business and save the league from its own limitations," WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson said. "Today, with a stronger foundation and new investments flowing in, they're opting out again -- this time to fully professionalize the league, secure proper wages, improve working conditions, and lock in meaningful benefits.
"As a union, we serve at the behest of the players, and for them, this is all about business -- their business."
The WNBA commissioner is hoping for a smooth negotiating process.
"With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.
It could get intense, though.
Players like Reese have admitted that they are living beyond their WNBA salary means. Reese pays more in rent per year than she makes in WNBA salary. Most of the league's players rely on outside endorsements and business opportunities to supplement their low salaries.
"I just hope y'all know the WNBA don't pay my bills at all," Reese said during a recent Instagram live. "I don't even think that pays one of my bills."
She added: "I'm living beyond my means."
You can bet on the WNBA's players negotiating for serious salary increases as part of their new Collective Bargaining Agreement. But will the league be in place to agree on such requests? It's going to be pretty fascinating to watch.
