The WNBA and WNBPA are entering their 16th month of negotiations as they inch closer to the league year.
The WNBA and WNBPA are still locked into negotiations over the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that has now entered its 16th month. It’s a pivotal moment as the league has its peak popularity in a long time, fueled by the stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. The league has seen increased television ratings, higher attendance in arenas, and that’s richened media deals. Despite this, it’s been tense. The league most recently submitted their new proposal on Friday that ESPN reports looks to guarantee housing for all WNBA players through 2026, with that being phased out in later years of the deal.
It was a counterproposal that came three days after the response by the Women's National Basketball Players Association to the previous submitted proposal, which broke a six-week stalemate ahead of the May 8 regular season start date. Regarding the proposed housing after 2026, players with zero years of service on their applicable minimum salary will be provided a one-bedroom apartment only through 2027 to 2028. In efforts to foster younger talent, developmental players would be supplied with studio apartments throughout the entirety of the deal. In this crucial moment, there are calls for the players to fight – one of those being Dawn Staley, who has made calls for the players to stand tall amidst negotiations.
Here is the full story from WNBA Roundtable writer Nitish Singh on Staley’s call to action.
With former WNBA players calling for the current faces of the league to lead the change, those statements carry weight as the players continue to fight for their future.