The WNBA has presented the players’ union with a new collective bargaining proposal that would raise the league’s maximum salary to more than $1.1 million, a substantial jump from the current maximum of about $250,000, according to industry sources.
The new proposed deal from the WNBA also reportedly includes a minimum salary above $220,000 and pushes the average player salary to more than $460,000.
This week, League officials provided team owners in New York with an update on the revised package that comes an increase from a previous fall proposal with a maximum that would have been around $850,000.
League leaders have been meeting with key stakeholders of the league this month, meeting with the board of governors, WNBA coaches and officials, general managers and team presidents, to discuss the package proposal and other matters pertaining to the league, including standards for officiating to be raised at the recent committee meetings.
A’Ja Wilson Talks WNBA CBA Negotiations Update
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson said discussions between the WNBA and the players’ union have moved into an extension, but that the players remain firm in their demands for better pay and greater equity.
Speaking on Good Morning America, Wilson emphasized that the union’s position has not softened and that players are united in their approach to the bargaining table.
“Obviously, we’re still pushing through,” Wilson said. “But I think for us, it’s just continue to stand on what we believe in and what it is to be a business and how we handle ourselves. And I think when you’re thinking about a united front, it’s the WNBA. We’re not going to shake anything until we get what we want.”
The Aces superstar also framed the talks as about more than the current roster, saying the objective is to secure a sustainable, livable pay structure and safer conditions for future generations of WNBA players.
“I think we are tired of the mindset of just be grateful for what you have. No, we need to dive into it,” she added. “And it’s not just for the women of the league now. We’re talking about the women coming up, the future. We want them to have a safe space where they can perform at a high level and get that revenue share and to live on a salary that is what they’ve earned, that’s liveable.”
https://youtu.be/204g1sKPqBc
With the deadline for the WNBA CBA agreement extension approaching, Wilson said the players will continue pressing for their priorities while negotiations proceed, leaving the outcome uncertain as both sides work toward a deal that balances league and player interests.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
