WNBA players are opting out of the CBA and face a possible work stoppage

WNBA players have terminated their current collective bargaining agreement and face a work stoppage if they do not negotiate a new contract with the league by the end of the 2025 season.

The elected members of the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) announced Monday that the players are seeking “a business model that reflects their true value and includes increased salaries, improved professional working conditions, expanded health benefits and important long-term investments.” Growth.”

The players had until November 1 to opt out of the current deal, which was set to expire in 2027 and will be in effect until October 31, 2025. The two sides have one year to reach an agreement.

Citing higher ratings, viewership and franchise values, the union said it is the right time to renegotiate with the league and owners.

“This is a pivotal moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress,” WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike of the Seattle Storm said in a statement. “The world has evolved since 2020 and we cannot afford to stand still. If we stick to the current agreement, we will fall behind.”

“Exit isn't just about bigger paychecks – it's about demanding our rightful share in the business we've built, improving working conditions and securing a future where the success we create delivers to today's players and players will benefit future generations. We” We not only demand a CBA that reflects our value; We demand it because we deserve it.”

The WNBA moved to all-charter travel for the first time this season and will expand to 13 teams next season with Golden State joining the league. Toronto and Portland will also launch WNBA franchises in 2026.

“The players made the decision to opt out of the last CBA to realign the business and save the league from its own limitations,” said WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael Jackson. “Today, with a stronger foundation and new investment flowing in, they are exiting again – this time to fully professionalize the league, secure fair wages, improve working conditions and secure meaningful benefits.”

“As a union, we serve on behalf of the players, and for them it’s all about business – their business.”

The league recently inked a historic 11-year, $200 million-per-year media rights deal with Disney, Amazon Prime and NBC.

The players are willing to negotiate for as long as necessary, union sources told ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike, even if it means a work stoppage.

“With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for everyone and lays the foundation for growth and success in the years to come WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

Breanna Stewart, vice president of the New York Liberty Stars and Players Union, called communication with the league good earlier this month.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in her State of the League address before Game 1 of the Finals that she has worked with union leadership throughout the year.

“I suspect that given the transformation of the league that we have worked so hard to build, building this long-term economic model, we have already gone back to the players through charter by increasing playoff bonuses by over 50 a few years ago “%,” she said. “So we will continue to do that and when we are at the negotiating table we will continue to talk about the issues that matter most to the players.”

Alexa Philippou of ESPN and The Associated Press contributed to this report.