The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) did not reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or an extension to the previous agreement by the deadline of March 31, 2023. Negotiations are expected to continue, although both sides find themselves in a challenging standoff as they strive for a transformative deal. With the CBA now expired, discussions also include a proposed moratorium on the initial stages of free agency, during which teams would typically extend qualifying offers and core designations to players.
Sources indicate that the league initially proposed the moratorium several days prior but formalized it in writing on Friday night. The union is currently reviewing this proposal. Teams were informed this week to prepare for extending qualifying offers and core designations under the terms of the expired agreement. This means that teams could potentially offer players these contracts starting Sunday, April 2, 2023, and continuing until January 20, 2024.
Given the ongoing negotiations regarding a new salary structure with significant increases in compensation, it is widely anticipated that players will refrain from signing any contracts until a new agreement is reached. For context, nearly all of the league’s veteran players are free agents this offseason, anticipating changes in the CBA.
As the previous agreement has expired, both the WNBA and the WNBPA enter a phase known as “status quo,” wherein the conditions of the former CBA are maintained while negotiations proceed. This situation also raises the possibility of a work stoppage, either in the form of a strike by players or a lockout by the league owners. However, reports indicate that the league is not considering a lockout at this time.
In a statement, the WNBPA expressed frustration, stating, “Despite demonstrating our willingness to compromise in order to get a deal done, the WNBA and its teams have failed to meet us at the table with the same spirit and seriousness.” The union emphasized that the league has undervalued player contributions and dismissed their concerns, adding, “Pay equity is not optional and progress is long overdue.”
The WNBA responded, acknowledging the league’s current popularity and growth. They stated, “Our priority is a deal that significantly increases player salaries, enhances the overall player experience, and supports the long-term growth of the league for current and future generations of players and fans.”
Negotiations remain complicated, especially regarding revenue sharing. The league has proposed a structure where players would receive an average of 70% of net revenue over the lifetime of the agreement. This would include an uncapped revenue-sharing component, increases in maximum salaries to nearly $2 million, average salaries exceeding $780,000, and minimum salaries surpassing $250,000 in the first year.
In contrast, the WNBPA had previously proposed a compensation system with a projected salary cap of approximately $12.5 million by 2026, which represents a significant increase from the current cap. This earlier proposal also included an average player salary of around $1 million and a maximum salary of $2.5 million. Recent reports suggest that the union has adjusted its proposal to a salary cap closer to $10.5 million, with players receiving about 30% of gross revenue.
As negotiations continue, both sides face the challenge of bridging significant gaps in their proposals, with the future of the league and its players’ compensation hanging in the balance.
