NBA Commissioner Adam Silver reiterated his confidence on Tuesday that the WNBA players and the league will successfully reach a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) before the current one expires on October 31. Silver emphasized that WNBA players can expect "big" raises in the upcoming negotiation cycle. This statement came during an appearance on NBC's "Today," ahead of a season-opening NBA doubleheader.
When asked about whether WNBA players should receive a larger share of league revenues, Silver clarified that the focus should not be on the percentage share. "Share isn't the right way to look at it because there's so much more revenue in the NBA," he highlighted. Instead, he suggested looking at the absolute salary figures, promising that the players would see a significant salary increase in this round of collective bargaining, asserting that they deserve it.
In the 2023 WNBA season, base salaries for players ranged from $66,079 to $249,244, while the league operated under a total salary cap of $1,507,100. However, WNBA players are pushing for substantial increases in their earnings in the new CBA. During the All-Star Game, players showcased their discontent by warming up in shirts that read, "Pay us what you owe us," signaling their dissatisfaction with current salary levels.
Last year, the players opted out of the existing CBA in hopes of acquiring increased revenue sharing, higher salaries, enhanced benefits, and a more favorable salary cap structure. Despite ongoing discussions, the offers made by the WNBA thus far have not met the players' expectations. It remains uncertain how far apart both parties are regarding the salary terms. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed that the league shares the players' desire for a "transformative deal" with significant salary and benefits increases.
Mark Davis, owner of the WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces and controlling owner of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, has voiced his optimism regarding a potential agreement between the players and the league. After the conclusion of the WNBA Finals earlier this month, Davis stated, "We'll get it right," emphasizing that there should be unity in the discussions. He believes that if both sides work together, they can create a better future for the league.
As the deadline for the current collective bargaining agreement approaches, both the WNBA management and its players continue to negotiate with high hopes for a new contract that reflects the league's growth and the players' contributions. The players are adamant about reaching a deal that addresses their concerns while the league leadership appears committed to making meaningful changes in the upcoming CBA negotiations.
