WNBA Union Leader Delivers Strong Rebuttal to Adam Silver
The ongoing negotiations between the WNBA and its players are heating up as the current collective bargaining agreement approaches its expiration at the end of October 2023. The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) has voiced strong concerns regarding proposals for player compensation and revenue sharing.
WNBA Union Leader’s Rebuttal to Adam Silver
Terri Carmichael Jackson, the executive director of the WNBPA, delivered a strong rebuttal following remarks made by WNBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Silver stated there is no need to focus on revenue sharing while assuring that players are set to receive significant salary increases in the upcoming cycle of collective bargaining.
Key Issues in Negotiations
- Revenue Sharing: Jackson emphasized that players want their salaries linked to a revenue-sharing model that reflects the league’s financial growth.
- Salary Structure: The WNBPA seeks a salary system that acknowledges and values the players’ contributions to the league.
- League Response: Silver’s comments suggested a fixed salary system rather than a model responsive to revenue growth.
Jackson asserted that the league’s current proposals neglect to address substantial aspects of player compensation, stating, “The league wants to call any part of its proposal ‘uncapped’ which indeed raises questions about leadership accountability.” She criticized the league’s approach as insufficient, urging for a comprehensive proposal that includes a super-max salary exceeding $1 million and fair revenue distribution.
Current Salary Proposals
Under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), the WNBA’s super-max salary is approximately $249,244, and the veteran minimum stands at $78,831. Recent reports indicate that the league’s latest proposal suggests a super-max salary closer to $850,000 and a veteran minimum of around $300,000. While these amounts represent increases, they still fall short of aligning with the league’s overall financial growth, as some franchises are evaluated at over $400 million.
Future Negotiations
The deadline for a new agreement looms, with the current CBA set to expire on October 31. Each party hopes to finalize negotiations without causing disruptions to the upcoming season, including critical events such as the draft lottery and free agency. Both sides have expressed a willingness to negotiate in good faith.
As the situation develops, the WNBA and its players remain at an impasse over how to best approach salary increases and revenue-sharing arrangements that could shape the future of the league.
