The WNBA and WNBPA reached a landmark agreement this week to provide additional financial compensation to players for years to come.
The WNBA and the WNBPA reached an agreement this week on a new Collective Bargaining Agreement beginning with the 2020 season, pending ratification by the players the league’s Board of Governors.
For the first time in WNBA history, the average cash compensation for players will exceed six figures, averaging nearly $130,000. The change will net an increase for all players, from rookies to veterans under the new agreement, which runs through 2027.
Under terms of the new agreement, the top players in the WNBA will be able to earn cash compensation in excess of $500,000, more than tripling the maximum compensation under the prior deal. Other top players will have an opportunity to earn between $200,000 and $300,000.
The news of the CBA quickly spread as it marked a landmark agreement for the sport. In addition to the financial benefits, players now will receive their full salary while on maternity leave. The new deal also gives players better travel accommodations and enhanced mental health benefits.
While the WNBA players approved of the new agreement, the decision was met with universal praise from players in the NBA and others around the game of basketball.
“It’s historic. Honestly, it’s something that, for me, I’ve always been a huge advocate for empowering women and all that they do,” Boston Celtics rookie Grant Williams told Rookie Wire. “The fact that they have a CBA now that allows them to not only get paid on maternity leave but also get a salary to support themselves and their families and future generations.”
Previously, WNBA players received around 20% of the shared revenue within the league, compared to 50% in the NBA. As a result, WNBA players earned anywhere from roughly $41,000 to $117,000 per season. Some NBA players make that, and more, in one single game.
Players would often be forced to play overseas for additional income since the salaries in the WNBA were so low. After playing during the WNBA season in the summer, and then suiting up overseas in the offseason, some women played upward of 11 months out of the year.
Under the new agreement, though, a new 50-50 revenue sharing structure will be implemented with the 2021 season, based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships and licensing deals.
“The fact that they have to travel 11 months of the year without seeing their family, going overseas and now they have enough, hopefully, sustainable income to play in the WNBA and be able to start something fresh,” Williams said. “You get to see the stars in Breanna Stewart, Brittney Griner, A’ja Wilson and Diamond DeShields and it’s a bigger stage.
“Now, it brings more traction to the sport. Now, young females are going to look and say, ‘I want to be a professional basketball player.’ Not only just because they are going to be able to secure themselves for the future but also because the sport is going to be so [visible]. I’m just excited about the future and the potential of that league.”
The agreement this week between the WNBA and WNBPA proved to be monumental as the league continues to grow in popularity. The WNBA faced several issues heading into the CBA negotiations with much of those centered around financial compensation.
The new deal provides an opportunity to continue to grow and is a step in the right direction to give the women of the sport the foundation to have long, successful careers in the league.
[lawrence-related id=4205,2799,4740]
