The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players’ union (WNBPA) have come to tentative terms on a new eight-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that includes a 53 per cent increase in total cash compensation.
The new deal, which runs from 2020 through 2027, also features a new in-season competition and changes the compensation structure to include a base salary and performance-based bonuses.
The CBA will see players receive an average salary of US$130,000, marking the first time in WNBA history that the average has reached six figures. Top players could earn more than US$500,000 a year, which is more than triple the current maximum cash compensation.
According to SB Nation, the new CBA will raise the minimum salary for players with zero to two years experience from US$41,965 to US$57,000, while the minimum for players with three or more years of experience will climb from US$56,375 to US$68,000.
“We approached these negotiations with a player-first agenda, and I am pleased that this agreement guarantees substantial increases in compensation and progressive benefits for the women of the WNBA,” said WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The deal also calls for a new 50-50 revenue sharing model from 2021, based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships and licensing deals.
“I was adamant on the 50-50 target,” Engelbert added in an interview with the Associated Press. “The league and players work together to market this league so we can share revenue with the players. We have to hit some targets.”
Other advantages of the CBA include enhanced family benefits, travel improvements and changes to the free agency system. Players will also receive their full salary while on maternity leave and expanded off-season career development opportunities.
The proposed terms will become official once ratified by the WNBA’s players and board of governors. Like the previous arrangement there is a mutual opt-out provision after six years, which WNBA players activated in 2018 to bring forward talks over a new deal.
The WNBA has also announced the formation of WNBA Changemakers, a new business collective designed to elevate the player experience and enable the league’s business transformation. The inaugural partners of the new initiative are sportswear giant Nike, telecommunications company AT&T and professional services firm Deloitte.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players’ union (WNBPA) have come to tentative terms on a new eight-year collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that includes a 53 per cent increase in total cash compensation.
The new deal, which runs from 2020 through 2027, includes a new in-season competition and changes the compensation structure to include a base salary and performance-based bonuses.
The CBA will see players receive an average salary of US$130,000, marking the first time in WNBA history that the average has reached six figures. Top players could earn more than US$500,000 a year, which is more than triple the current maximum cash compensation.
“We approached these negotiations with a player-first agenda, and I am pleased that this agreement guarantees substantial increases in compensation and progressive benefits for the women of the WNBA,” said WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The deal also calls for a new 50-50 revenue sharing model from 2021, based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships and licensing deals.
“I was adamant on the 50-50 target,” Engelbert added in an interview with the Associated Press. “The league and players work together to market this league so we can share revenue with the players. We have to hit some targets.”
Other advantages of the CBA include enhanced family benefits, travel improvements and changes to the free agency system. Players will also receive their full salary while on maternity leave and expanded off-season career development opportunities.
The proposed terms will become official once ratified by the WNBA’s players and board of governors. Like the previous arrangement there is a mutual opt-out provision after six years, which WNBA players activated in 2018 to bring forward talks over a new deal.
The WNBA has also announced the formation of WNBA Changemakers, a new business collective designed to elevate the player experience and enable the league’s business transformation. The inaugural partners of the new initiative are sportswear giant Nike, telecommunications company AT&T and professional services firm Deloitte.
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