The WNBA’s current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire by the end of the season. Players and league officials are preparing for what could be a defining meeting during All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. But if you ask Breanna Stewart, the vibes heading in aren’t exactly hopeful.
The New York Liberty star and WNBPA vice president didn’t sugarcoat her feelings. After months of silence, the league finally responded to the players’ proposals, and according to Stewart, it couldn’t have been more off the mark. To put it plainly? The two sides are speaking entirely different languages right now. And with just a few months left to strike a deal, the disconnect is impossible to ignore.
Breanna Stewart Believes CBA Negotiations Are Going To Be ‘Spicy’
The WNBPA vice president is again looking to head horns with the league amid CBA issues. For some past months, Stewart and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike have been sharing their thoughts on the league’s way of conducting business. After Liberty practice this Saturday, Stewie addressed how “polar opposites” the league and player opinions are.
“That was the hardest part. It’s like we’re not even talking about the same thing right now. We’re talking about X’s and O’s at this point and completely different sides of the game,” Stewart said.
The New York Liberty star believes that the next CBA negotiation is going to be ‘spicy‘. With a slow negotiation process and the league and players having different opinions, it will surely be interesting during All-Star weekend later this month in Indianapolis.
“The fact that it’s been a little bit slow to start is tough, but hopefully things will ramp up now after getting their proposal back. We have a big meeting in Indy at All-Star, and it’s gonna be spicy,” Stewart said.
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Stewart is not the only one who has spoken out against the league amid CBA negotiations. Last month, Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally referred to the WNBA’s first response as a “slap in the face.”
Not Just Breanna Stewart, Even Stats Show WNBA Is Growing
Compared to previous years, the stakes for this CBA are much different. The athletes want to enjoy the results of their labor as the WNBA’s popularity soars. Attendance and TV viewership have increased. The WNBA revealed an incredible $2.2 billion, 11-year media rights agreement last year.
Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are apparently paying a $250 million expansion fee, according to the WNBA’s announcement this week that it will grow to 18 clubs by 2030. Last October, the players chose to opt out of the current contract, giving the WNBA and the union a year to negotiate a new one.
With everything set in motion only one thing is to be seen. It will be whether the WNBA league agrees with what players want or whether they do whatever they want to do. But whatever the outcome is, the next update will surely be interesting.
Also Read: WNBA Seeks Guidance From Nobel Prize-Winning Economist For CBA Negotiations