WNBA, Players' Union Set to Resume Labor Talks on Monday
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players union are scheduled to meet on Monday in New York, marking their first collective bargaining negotiations session in several weeks. The talks come as the two sides have been at an impasse over a proposed new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which could significantly impact player compensation.
The meeting is being led by Kelsey Plum, who serves as vice president of the players union, and will include other key representatives such as Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier. The WNBA's negotiating team, including Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, will also be in attendance.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the league has been pushing for a revised CBA that would guarantee players lower compensation rates. However, the union has insisted on maintaining its proposed 30% gross revenue share, which was first introduced during Christmas negotiations. The league's response to this proposal has been lukewarm, suggesting that both sides are far apart.
The current CBA expired on January 9, triggering a "status quo" period that temporarily halted free agency and the franchise tag process. If no new agreement is reached, it could delay the start of the 2026 season, which is currently slated to begin on May 8. The expansion draft for Toronto and Portland has also been postponed due to the stalled negotiations.
The players union has emphasized the importance of these talks, with Plum stating that both sides have a clear understanding of what's at stake. "I think we'll learn a lot from this meeting," she said. "This is a meeting that I think everyone understands what's at stake." The tone is optimistic, with both sides seeking to find common ground and reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
The success of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of the WNBA and its players. A new CBA could have far-reaching implications for player compensation, team finances, and the overall direction of the league. As the talks resume on Monday, all eyes will be on New York to see if a breakthrough can be achieved.
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its players union are scheduled to meet on Monday in New York, marking their first collective bargaining negotiations session in several weeks. The talks come as the two sides have been at an impasse over a proposed new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which could significantly impact player compensation.
The meeting is being led by Kelsey Plum, who serves as vice president of the players union, and will include other key representatives such as Nneka Ogwumike and Napheesa Collier. The WNBA's negotiating team, including Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, will also be in attendance.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the league has been pushing for a revised CBA that would guarantee players lower compensation rates. However, the union has insisted on maintaining its proposed 30% gross revenue share, which was first introduced during Christmas negotiations. The league's response to this proposal has been lukewarm, suggesting that both sides are far apart.
The current CBA expired on January 9, triggering a "status quo" period that temporarily halted free agency and the franchise tag process. If no new agreement is reached, it could delay the start of the 2026 season, which is currently slated to begin on May 8. The expansion draft for Toronto and Portland has also been postponed due to the stalled negotiations.
The players union has emphasized the importance of these talks, with Plum stating that both sides have a clear understanding of what's at stake. "I think we'll learn a lot from this meeting," she said. "This is a meeting that I think everyone understands what's at stake." The tone is optimistic, with both sides seeking to find common ground and reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
The success of these negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of the WNBA and its players. A new CBA could have far-reaching implications for player compensation, team finances, and the overall direction of the league. As the talks resume on Monday, all eyes will be on New York to see if a breakthrough can be achieved.
! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that these talks turn out to be productive 
...if they don't, it's already looking like the 2026 season might get delayed 
...can't even imagine not getting to see some of those talented players in action this year 
. Kelsey Plum seems super optimistic about the whole thing though 
...fingers crossed she's right 
. Remember when we had the WNBA players union and commissioner Cathy Engelbert were actually chillin' and figuring things out? Nowadays, it seems like they're not even speaking the same language 
. Kelsey Plum is trying her best, I'll give her that 
, but come on, 30% gross revenue share is still too low in my book 
. The league is just trying to cut corners and get those sweet, sweet dollars 
. I remember when WNBA players were actually making a decent wage for their talent 
... now it's like they're fighting for scraps 
anyway gotta keep fingers crossed that Kelsey Plum and her team can get a good deal done.
The thing is, I think both sides are being super stubborn. Like, come on, 30% gross revenue share? That's not too much to ask for when you're basically the real MVPs out there 
. And the league's all like "no way" but they need us. We're the ones making them money 
. Can't we just have a real discussion without all this drama? I mean, the WNBA players are trying to negotiate for better pay and the league is pushing back 
. I mean, when was the last time a negotiation ended with a real agreement? 
It's like they're both just trying to play politics on the court 
. The players union is totally right to push for a bigger share of the revenue, those ladies are killing it on and off the court 