In an unexpected move, the WNBA announced their decision to opt out of their current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with a flashy promotional video, signaling a bold step toward renegotiating player wages and benefits. The message was clear: if the league wants players to stay, they need to be paid more. “It’s business,” the video declares, preparing fans for a heated period of negotiation as the league looks to set the foundation for its future.
Check out the Video
The WNBPA Board of Player Representatives and WNBPA Executive Committee have decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA/WNBPA CBA on behalf of the collective.
It’s Business.#BetOnWomen
🎥:@Tubi
Seattle Storm (YouTube) pic.twitter.com/zZoOdfMoDE— WNBPA (@TheWNBPA) October 21, 2024
The decision to opt out doesn’t come as a shock to those closely following the WNBA. With a massive new TV deal on the horizon and a sharp increase in league revenue, the timing was perfect for the Players Association (WNBPA) to push for better pay and improved conditions. The opt-out means the current CBA will expire after next season, rather than in 2027, giving both sides time to hammer out a new deal.
But the video? That’s what caught everyone’s attention. Instead of quietly announcing the decision, the WNBA leaned into the drama, pairing bold statements with music and graphics as they set the stage for what they call their “opportunity to get it right.”
The core issues on the table are familiar ones: salary caps, season schedules, player travel, and benefits. One significant talking point expected to dominate discussions is the controversial “core designation,” which many believe will be eliminated in the new agreement. This rule currently allows teams to retain players for several years, limiting their ability to move freely in free agency. Many expect it to be scrapped to avoid trapping stars like Caitlin Clark or Paige Bueckers in less competitive or dysfunctional franchises for too long.
The decision to opt out was a no-brainer, as most insiders predicted it months in advance. With the new TV deal promising a significant revenue boost, both the league and players are gearing up for a financial restructuring that will hopefully pay players more fairly. Top players, like Breanna Stewart, have publicly stated they want to see salaries hit the million-dollar mark—though that figure may still be a few years away.
While the WNBPA’s goals are ambitious, they aren’t entirely unrealistic. There’s widespread belief that the league could see top salaries rise significantly, with some predicting a max contract could hit $500,000 to $600,000 in the near future. But it’s not just about player pay. The players are also pushing for better benefits, such as pensions, childcare support, and, perhaps most contentiously, charter flights for travel. Charter flights alone could triple a team’s expenses, a significant hurdle in an already tight financial landscape.
The promo video highlighted the stakes involved: this isn’t just about better paychecks, but also about shaping the future of the league. With rising viewership and interest in women’s basketball, the WNBA finds itself at a pivotal moment. If they get this new CBA right, it could lay the groundwork for long-term success. But aiming for too much, too soon could also backfire.
With the current CBA set to expire after next season, there is no immediate impact on the 2024 season. Negotiations will take place throughout the year, with both sides hoping to strike a deal that satisfies the players’ demands without overwhelming the league financially.
In the end, the WNBA opted out to send a message: the game is growing, and the players want to grow with it. Now, it’s up to the league and the Players Association to find common ground that ensures fair wages and sustainable growth. Will they be able to strike a balance? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—this will be a pivotal moment in the league’s history.
