WNBA and Union Talks Ramp Up At The Buzzer—Tuesday CBA Deadline

Time is not on their side. If an agreement can’t be made this year’s season will be delayed. Therefore, a meeting between the WNBA and the WNBPA (including players) is scheduled for later today (March 10), multiple sources confirm. On Feb. 23 the league imposed a March 10th target date that, if passed, would subject the season to delays. Both sides have exchanged proposals in recent days, the details of which have not become public. As one can see the WNBA and union talks are ramping up at the buzzer, the Tuesday CBA deadline.

So then, what is the hold up? What are some issues or concerns that both sides seem to be struggling to agree upon? Well, two major sticking points remain: players want league-funded housing preserved, while the league appears unwilling to go beyond a 15% revenue share.

Since players are making a salary somewhere in the range of $75k- $200k, not all players can afford housing especially in more expensive cities and regions. Especially, when they can be cut, traded or not have a team after returning to make a few more bucks overseas. Therefore, the union had requested housing for all players in the first few years of the agreement, and then — in later years — not for players who are earning roughly 75% of the max salary. Pretty fair.

Nonetheless, if you are wondering how the 15% revenue share number is coming about, this is how it all breaks down. Before this weekend, the WNBA was offering players 70% of net revenue, which is revenue after expenses. But after those expenses (operating arenas, charter flights, security, etc.), the gross revenue share would be under 15%, and that’s been the pervasive holdup in the CBA negotiations.

WNBA and Union Talks Ramp Up At The Buzzer—Tuesday CBA Deadline

It was back around February 17, the WNBPA countered the league’s Feb. 6 proposal late Tuesday afternoon. The union at the time was seeking 25% of total league revenue in year 1 of the proposed CBA and housing for all players in the first several years.

But this was before this weekend’s flurry of proposals. The rapid fire counteroffers could be a precursor to a compromise or could lead to a work stoppage. By Tuesday, the odds of a May 8 Opening Day will be clearer.

However, the fact that both sides are talking is somewhat a positive. Hopefully a resolution to the above issues is near and avoid a strike, something the players do not want. We will know more in a few hours.

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