Why the WNBPA opted out of the CBA, and everything players want to see in the next one

Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images

The WNBA players’ union delineated a number of priorities for the next CBA, including increased salaries, better retirement benefits, higher professional standards, and more.

Less than a day after the confetti fell at Barclay’s Center, the WNBA player’ union announced they’d be opting out of their collective bargaining agreement with the league — a decision that comes on the heels of a historic season that saw an unprecedented interest in the league.

The Players Association first agreed to the current CBA in 2020, and had until November 1st of this year to decide if they wanted to opt out of the deal, which is currently set to expire in 2027.

Breanna Stewart and other WNBPA leaders had previously acknowledged they wanted to opt out, making clear it was a matter of when rather than if. Now, the union will work toward ensuring their key priorities are included in the next iteration of the CBA.

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

“This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” said WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike in a statement. “The world has evolved since 2020, and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stay in the current agreement, we fall behind.

“Opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks — it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions, and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come.”

The decision to opt out was made by the WNBA Executive Committee and Player Representatives, which include 31 players. The players and the league will have all of next season to negotiate a new CBA, and if there’s no agreement, a lockout could be reached after the 2025 season.

WNBPA Priorities

The WNBPA delineated its key priorities for the next CBA, which include:

1. A new economic model that grows and evolves in step with the league’s business success. The union says the current structure “imposes arbitrary and restrictive caps on the value and benefits players receive.”
2. Ensuring players receive fair wages that properly reflect their contributions, including a clear distinction between salary and bonuses. Teams currently have a $1.4 million salary cap for 12 players; this past season, maximum salaries were $241,984 and minimum salaries $64,154.
3. Establishing minimum professional standards, including practice and game facilities as well as travel accommodations. As it currently stands, multiple WNBA teams, including the Connecticut Sun and Chicago Sky, don’t have their own practice facility.
4. Expanding retirement benefits to ensure financial security and health benefits. Right now, the league only offers a 401K, and no pensions.
5. Provide fair and accessible pregnancy and family planning support, an issue that gained increased visibility this season.

Here's what Terri Jackson, WNBPA executive director, said: "The players made the decision to opt out of the last CBA to realign the business and save the league from its own limitations."

The WNBPA put out its priorities in the next CBA: https://t.co/Dbmg7SlBQg pic.twitter.com/XyFH51Fsvy

— Mike Vorkunov (@MikeVorkunov) October 21, 2024

Why now?

A big reason why players are optimistic the new agreement could include their priority provisions is because of the new media rights deal. The current media deal is valued at about $60 million per season, but the 11-year deal signed in July with Disney, Amazon Prime, and NBC is valued for around $200 million a season, beginning in 2026. That number could increase given the possibility of agreements with additional partners.

In addition, the league is set for significant expansion, with the Golden State Valkyries joining in 2025, and unnamed teams from Portland and Toronto.

And, this past season, viewership and attendance numbers are the highest they’ve ever been. According to the WNBPA news release, viewership on ESPN was up 170% and attendance was at a 22-year high, with a 48% increase from 2023. The WNBA playoffs also boasted multiple games with more than a million viewers, with Game 2 of Indiana-Connecticut reaching $2.5 million viewers.

What comes next?

The current CBA will stop being in effect on October 31, 2025, and the union will begin negotiating with the league.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement she looks forward to working together with the players.

“With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come,” Engelbert said.