The WNBA season will happen as initially deliberate, after weeks of a lockout showing to be on the horizon. That’s as a result of early Wednesday morning, the WNBA gamers’ union and league management in the end agreed on a brand new CBA, after a week-long in-person marathon negotiating session got here to an finish.
ESPN’s Alexa Phillippou, Entrance Workplace Sports activities’ Annie Costabile, and The IX’s Jackie Powell broke the information after their week-long stakeout outdoors The Langham Lodge, the place negotiations happened and concluded.
Each the gamers and WNBA management declined to share specifics of the deal, per Costabile, however a verbal settlement was reached that can enable the league’s schedule to be unimpeded; coaching camp is about to start April 19, adopted by preseason video games on April 25 and the beginning of the common season on Might 8.
And, per Phillippou, for the primary time in WNBA historical past, the wage system is anticipated to be immediately tied to income development, and gamers are anticipated to earn the league’s first $1 million salaries.
This would be the sixth CBA in WNBA historical past, after the WNBPA opted out of the 2020 CBA in October.
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and Vice Presidents Breanna Stewart, Alysha Clark, and Napheesa Collier, and treasurer Brianna Turner had been among the many gamers who led negotiations.
“For the primary time, participant salaries are tied to a very significant share of league income, driving exponential development within the wage cap, rising common compensation past half one million {dollars}, and elevating the skilled normal throughout amenities, staffing, and assist,” Ogwumike stated early Wednesday, per reporters. “It strengthens housing and retirement, and expands sources for household planning and parental depart. It redefines what it means to be an expert on this league.”
And, Turner turned to social media to specific her gratitude for the negotiations: “I really didn’t acknowledge the dedication and time it takes to construct relationships and really hearken to the wants and desires of union members. This course of was so eye-opening to me & it’s been a real honor to assist advocate for the previous, current, and way forward for the WNBA.”
Stewart gushed in regards to the closing deal agreed upon as effectively, per Costabile.
“This deal goes to be transformational,” Stewart stated. “You’ll see the main points hopefully quickly, however it’s going to construct and assist create a system the place all people is getting precisely what they deserve and extra. From on the courtroom and off the courtroom features. I’m simply excited that we are able to inform our followers that we’re going to be again.”
