WNBA players opt-out of CBA

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The WNBA players have opted out of their CBA. The 2019 season will be the final season under the previous CBA.

There will have to be a new CBA in place by the 2020 season. In addition, the 2020 season is also an Olympic year.

This current CBA was signed in March 2014. It was expected to cover the 2021 season.

With their decision on Thursday, the union, along with the league, will have to the drawing board to attempt a new contract. WNBA interim President Mark Tatum said that he wants the league to thrive on ESPN’s Outside the Lines.

“The league and its teams are committed to an open and good-faith negotiation that is rooted in the financial realities of our business,” NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum — who is also the interim WNBA President — said in a statement. “We are getting to work immediately and are confident such a process can lead to a fair deal for all involved.”

Many of the players — who play in the league — are presently playing on their overseas teams. Yet, according to ABC News, the players will have an opportunity to cast a ballot from an online process from Oct. 14-21 to make this decision.

Several players have already complained about their salaries. It is way less than NBA salaries. Some G-League players are slated to make $125,000 next season.

The WNBA — who is 50% owned by the NBA — reportedly had a $12 million loss in 2017. Five of the WNBA owners are also NBA owners.

“We look forward to our upcoming discussions and negotiating a new agreement with the league,” the union said.

Los Angeles Sparks player Nneka Ogwumike — who is the WNBA executive council president — said in a post on The Players’ Tribune that she wants to grow the league. She also wants the league to have a “fair and consistent work environment.”