Tensions are escalating in the ongoing labor dispute between the WNBA and the players’ union as the current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire next week without a new deal in sight. The conflict intensified rapidly on Tuesday and Wednesday as both sides exchanged remarks.
The dispute began on Tuesday when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about reaching a new agreement and indicated that WNBA players would see significant salary increases. However, his statement regarding the share of revenues for WNBA players sparked criticism from the union.
In response, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) accused the league and teams of trying to limit labor costs through an artificial salary system that does not align with the players’ business contributions. The union’s executive director, Terri Carmichael Jackson, expressed dissatisfaction with the league’s proposed fixed salary system and separate revenue sharing plan.
The WNBA countered by stating that they offered an uncapped revenue sharing model directly linked to the league’s performance, emphasizing that player compensation would increase as league revenue grows. The league criticized the union for misrepresenting their proposals and accused them of hindering progress by alleging delays.
Negotiations between the two sides have been ongoing, with meetings held in New York last Thursday. Both parties aim to reach a resolution before the October 31 deadline, which could potentially be extended if needed. Players opted out of the current agreement last year seeking increased revenue sharing, higher salaries, improved benefits, and a more flexible salary cap.
Despite the league’s efforts to address player demands, tensions remain high as WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the importance of achieving a transformative deal with substantial salary and benefit enhancements. The negotiations were further strained when union vice president Napheesa Collier criticized the commissioner following her team’s playoff elimination.