In a move that signifies the WNBA’s burgeoning power and the players’ commitment to a fairer future, the WNBA Players Union (WNBPA) has opted out of the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) two years before its expiration. This bold decision, announced on November 1st, sets the stage for a pivotal negotiation period as the league navigates a period of unprecedented growth and success.
The WNBPA’s decision comes at a time when the WNBA is riding high on the wave of a historic 11-year media rights deal worth $200 million annually. This deal, coupled with record attendance and viewership this year, has cemented the league’s position as a force in the sports landscape. This is particularly evident after the 2024 WNBA Finals, which saw the New York Liberty triumph over the Minnesota Lynx in a thrilling five-game series.
WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike articulated the union’s motivations, stating, “This is a defining moment not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress. The world has evolved since 2020 and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind. This is a new era and we are ready to lead transformational change.”
The union is pushing for a new economic model that breaks free from the limitations of the current CBA, which they argue imposes arbitrary caps on player compensation and benefits. The WNBPA is advocating for an equity-based model that aligns with the league’s growing financial success and recognizes the players’ vital contribution to its trajectory.
This includes seeking improvements in areas such as salaries, retirement benefits, and expanding childcare and family planning benefits. “This isn’t some sudden wake-up call,” explained WNBPA vice president Kelsey Plum, highlighting the union’s long-held vision for a more equitable system. “We’ve played a key role in the league’s historic growth and now we’re breaking free from the current system to demand full transparency and an equitable stake in the business we’ve helped build.”
With the current CBA still in effect for the 2025 season, the WNBA and the WNBPA have a year to negotiate a new agreement. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her commitment to working collaboratively with the players, stating, “With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBAPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come.”
This opt-out marks a significant moment in the WNBA’s history, demonstrating the players’ determination to secure a fairer share of the league’s success and shape a future where their contributions are fully valued.