The WNBA and its gamers stay far aside on monetary phrases in collective bargaining settlement negotiations, with the league’s newest proposal together with a supermax wage close to $850,000 and a veteran minimal round $300,000, in keeping with a number of sources with direct data of negotiations.
The proposed figures signify important will increase from the present supermax of $249,244 and veteran minimal of $78,831. Nonetheless, sources say the league’s mannequin mirrors the present CBA, the place revenue-sharing triggers provided that league income exceeds sure targets.
The league has denied proposing a hard and fast wage mannequin not tied to WNBA income. A WNBA spokesperson informed Entrance Workplace Sports activities the league has made a “very compelling proposal” that considerably will increase participant compensation.
“We strongly agree with the gamers that they should be paid more cash and take part within the success and development of the league,” a WNBA spokesperson informed Entrance Workplace Sports activities in an announcement.
“They’re the face of the WNBA and their athleticism, ability, and charisma are what’s going to proceed to drive the league’s development. That’s why now we have made what we imagine is a really compelling proposal on the important phrases of a brand new CBA that considerably will increase the quantity that WNBA gamers throughout the board could be paid – each when it comes to assured salaries and income sharing. We stay dedicated to negotiating in good religion and are assured that we’ll attain a brand new settlement that pretty compensates the present gamers and helps the long-term viability of the league for the generations of gamers to return.”
A number of sources inform Entrance Workplace Sports activities a brand new CBA is just not anticipated earlier than the present settlement expires. The edges might mutually comply with an extension whereas persevering with negotiations, just like the 60-day extension in 2019.
Mark Davis purchased the Aces for $2 million in 2021, whereas the Solar not too long ago obtained a number of $300 million buy provides. The league’s annual media rights earnings will greater than triple beginning subsequent yr, from $60 million to over $200 million.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s relationship with gamers has dominated headlines throughout the Finals. WNBPA VP Napheesa Collier known as out Engelbert in a September 30 assertion, claiming the commissioner mentioned Indiana guard Caitlin Clark needs to be “grateful she makes $16 million off the court docket” throughout a February assembly.
Engelbert vehemently denied making feedback about Clark. Inside hours of the denial, Collier canceled a deliberate assembly with the commissioner.
A’ja Wilson mentioned she was “disgusted” by Engelbert’s feedback and recommended Collier. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike wrote on social media that “Phee speaks for me.”
Phoenix ahead Satou Sabally addressed the strain on the Finals, defending the private nature of negotiations towards feedback from NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“It is vitally private, as a result of the WNBA desires to forbid us to make much more cash than we’re ever going to make right here, what it looks as if, in different leagues,” Sabally mentioned. “Folks have households; that is our job. We earn more money in China, Russia, Turkey, than right here, so it is extremely private.”
