While the WNBA is enjoying yet another successful season heading into the All-Star break this weekend, there’s no denying the elephant in the room: The collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
The current CBA between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) is set to expire on October 31. If both sides fail to agree on a new one, next season could be in total trouble. This would take the air out of the league’s rising momentum in recent years.
WNBA Players Preparing For Work Stoppage
The obvious repercussion if everything falls apart is a lockout. The WNBPA has repeatedly said players are willing to stop suiting up until their demands are met. The current CBA, which was signed in 2020, still has two years left. The WNBPA, however, already opted out last year to push for better labor conditions.
According to Bleacher Report, citing a report from New York Post’s Madeline Kenney, “WNBA players are ‘bracing’ for a work stoppage if the pace of talks doesn’t ramp up exponentially in the near future.”
At this point, the players feel that they have leverage to push for an improved CBA, especially with the league continuing to reach greater heights.
Kenney noted that both camps and other stakeholders will sit down in Indianapolis on Thursday ahead of the All-Star festivities. She said it could be “a pivotal point in the negotiating process.” It could also put the discussions into full gear since they “have been lagging up to this point.”
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Marquee names like Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, Kelsey Plum of the Los Angeles Sparks, and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, among others, have spoken about the possible work stoppage.
WNBA’s Rising Popularity Amid CBA Negotiations
Presumably, among the main points of contention for the players in seeking a better CBA is the continued popularity of the WNBA. They have made the league what it is today because of their talent, charisma, and personality.
Last season was the most-watched in history across ESPN platforms with an average of 1.19 million viewers. It was a whopping 170% increase from 2023. The finals between the New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx was the most-viewed in 25 years with an average of 1.6 million viewers. The league also enjoyed record numbers in gate attendance, ticket sales, and merchandise.
With these milestones, along with a massive 11-year media deal and continued expansion, the WNBA is on a furious ascent. It would be highly unfortunate if a lockout were to happen. The players and team executives must find a compromise soon.
Also Read: WNBA Seeks Guidance From Nobel Prize-Winning Economist For CBA Negotiations