WNBA CBA Tensions Rising Ahead of All-Star Break

A'ja Wilson, star of the Las Vegas Aces and three-time WNBA MVP, expressed significant frustration with the league's recent counter-proposal in collective bargaining negotiations, calling it an "eyebrow-raiser." She criticized the proposal for lacking the equitable revenue-sharing system the players' union seeks, especially given the league's economic growth. Wilson emphasized the union's determination to "call out the BS" and continue fighting for what players have earned.

With less than four months until the current CBA expires, the league's counter-proposal has heightened tensions. According to a source, it maintains a similar revenue-sharing structure to the current CBA with a hard salary cap, which the union aims to soften for more flexibility. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike echoed Wilson's concerns, stating the league seemed to have "misinterpreted" the union's initial proposals and took too long to respond, though she didn't call the delay intentional.

Ogwumike highlighted that disputes over revenue sharing are complicating negotiations on other key union goals, such as improved family planning and retirement benefits. She specifically questioned the league's unwillingness to share the $250 million expansion fee revenue with players during a period of growth, calling it illogical. The union hopes for clarity on this issue at upcoming meetings.

WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson aimed for significant progress by the WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis (starting July 18th), where league officials and union representatives plan to meet. An agreement must be reached by the October 31st deadline to avoid a work stoppage. However, union player representative Chelsea Gray stated they are "not as close as we thought," labeling the recent counter-proposal "terrible" and expressing surprise at the lack of significant improvement over the current incremental revenue-share model (players get 50% of revenue exceeding set targets).

The WNBA's incremental revenue-share structure contrasts sharply with leagues like the NBA (players get 51% of Basketball Related Income) and the NFL (48% of league revenue). Other notable All-Stars on the WNBPA committee, including Breanna Stewart and Satou Sabally, have publicly voiced disappointment with the league's counter-proposal, with Sabally calling it a "slap in the face" and previously criticizing commissioner Cathy Engelbert.