WNBA Labor Talks Stretch into Early Morning Hours with No Deal in Sight

The WNBA and its players' union are racing against time to reach a collective bargaining agreement, with the upcoming season hanging in the balance

Introduction to the Negotiations

The WNBA and its players' union engaged in another marathon negotiating session that lasted into the early morning hours on Monday, as they strive to reach a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the importance of reaching a deal by Monday to avoid disruptions to the upcoming season. Engelbert stated that while a 24 to 48-hour delay may be acceptable, further delays could impact the start of training camp and the season.

Key Sticking Points in the Negotiations

The key sticking points in the negotiations have been revenue sharing and housing. The union, led by President Nneka Ogwumike, is pushing for a significant share of gross revenue, while the league is proposing a share of net revenue. The union has come down from its initial demand of 40% of gross revenue to 26%, while the league has offered more than 70% of net revenue. Ogwumike emphasized the importance of resolving these issues, stating that revenue sharing and housing are the top priorities for the union.

Housing Benefits and Revenue Sharing

The issue of housing benefits has been a major point of contention in the negotiations. The league has traditionally paid for player housing, but the union is seeking to maintain this benefit, at least for the first few years of the new agreement. The union has proposed that teams continue to pay for housing for players in the first few years of the new agreement, but in the last two years of the CBA, franchises would no longer have to pay for housing for players making near the maximum salary. The league, on the other hand, has proposed paying for housing for all players in the upcoming season, and then changing to only pay for rookies and players making the minimum salary. The league would also pay for the housing of the two developmental players being added to teams for the entire length of the CBA.

The Clock is Ticking

The clock is ticking for the WNBA and its players' union to reach a deal, with the season scheduled to start on May 8. The league's first two preseason games are on April 25, and any further delays could impact the start of the season. The two sides will get together again later on Monday for a seventh consecutive day of talks, as they strive to reach a deal and avoid any disruptions to the upcoming season. With the stakes high, the WNBA and its players' union are under pressure to reach a collective bargaining agreement that works for both parties.

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