NFL
By: Nathan Snell
The WNBA could face its first major lockout if a deal is not met by October 31st. While negotiations have been ongoing, multiple players, led by Nneka Ogwunike (WNBPA President), have been firm in their stance.
We are close to the 60-day mark. The question becomes, can the CBA that was opted out be extended?
The answer is yes, the league did experience this in 2003, which affected the draft and preseason due to negotiations.
The WNBPA has been firm. “Pay us what you owe us.” The demands have been coming from their first meeting during the WNBA All-Star weekend.
- Improved Revenue Sharing
- Benefits overhaul
- Expansion of Rosters
- A major overhaul of workplace standards
The NBA does play a role in this. The league will see a 10% cap increase. Along with a new eleven-year media rights deal worth $ 2.2 billion. The current salary cap is at 3% for the WNBA.
WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson said in a statement to FOS, “The players are working diligently to achieve a transformational CBA that builds on the growth, momentum, and positive news surrounding women’s sports and the W,”.
So where do we go from here? The 2020 CBA could resurface for some time as they continue to negotiate. This also occurred in 2019.
Here is a bigger issue. The WNBA will have two new teams next season for the 2026 season. Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire.
While the Golden State Valkyries’ expansion occurred in December, a month before free agency. So, where does that leave these two teams for 2026?
The league will have 18 teams in 2030. The problem is that this current business model no longer works. NWSL saw many changes.
If the league wants to grow business-wise, what are the priorities? Both sides have some accountability to take.
Will there be a lockout? The clock has officially begun ticking.
