As the WNBA All-Star festivities unfolded in Indianapolis between July 17 and 19, conversations buzzed about the athletic prowess on display and the critical negotiations for the league’s new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
The current CBA, which commenced in 2020, is set to run through Oct. 31, 2027, or the day following the final playoff game of the 2027 season, whichever is later. However, it includes a crucial clause allowing either the WNBA or the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) the option to terminate the agreement early (‘opt-out’), effective Oct. 31, 2025, or the day following the final playoff game of the 2025 season, whichever is later, by providing written notice on or before Nov. 1, 2025. This looming deadline has amplified the urgency and significance of the ongoing discussions.
WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson emphasized the players’ commitment to these negotiations.
“I think everybody also knows that the Union and the league are going to have some conversations, hopefully significant and productive, as we look to negotiate,” Jackson told the Indianapolis Recorder. “Our goal is to have a transformative CBA. I hope the league comes with that same commitment to that goal.”
The players’ dedication to securing a more equitable agreement was visibly demonstrated during All-Star Game warm-ups two days later on July 19 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, when they collectively wore “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Kelsey Plum confirmed the decision to protest using the shirts was made on the morning of the All-Star Game.
Indiana Fever guard Sydney Colson acknowledged the intentionality behind such actions.
“It’s important because I think probably all of us can think about somebody or the people that did that for us,” Colson said. “I think it’ll be inspiring for the next generation.”
Colson further articulated the players’ unified stance on the CBA.
“Players who are present in the city right now (for WNBA All-Star Weekend) know that it is important and critical to let them know we’ve a say,” Colson told the Indianapolis Recorder. “We are allowed to have a say, and we have a lot of demands. It’s bigger than just what will affect us right now.”
The 2020 CBA was hailed as groundbreaking, significantly increasing player cash compensation and benefits.
Under that agreement, the total cash compensation saw a 53% increase, allowing top players to earn over $500,000. The average cash compensation for players surpassed six figures for the first time, averaging nearly $130,000 and benefiting all players. Beyond salaries, the 2020 CBA introduced enhanced travel standards, including premium economy class for all players during regular-season air travel and individual hotel room accommodations. It also expanded career development opportunities and brought new child care, maternity and progressive family planning benefits.
The 2020 CBA included full salary during maternity leave, a new annual childcare stipend of $5,000, two-bedroom apartments for players with children, workplace accommodations for nursing mothers and up to $60,000 reimbursement for adoption, surrogacy or fertility treatments for veteran players.
The agreement also featured a more liberal free agency system, making unrestricted free agency available to players one year earlier for those with five or more years of service and reducing the number of times a player could receive the “Core” designation.
However, a lot has changed for the league since 2020.
Players argue that despite these advancements, their share of league revenue remains disproportionately low. While the 2020 CBA introduced a 50-50 revenue sharing model beginning in 2021, it is based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast terms (‘TV deals’), marketing collaborations and licensing deals.
WNBA players currently receive 9.3% of the league’s revenue, unlike their male counterparts in the NBA, who receive 50%. This disparity means that the theoretical salary cap for WNBA players, if they received 40% of the league’s revenue, would be $6.481 million, a substantial increase from the current $1.507 million salary cap. This increase opens incredible opportunities for expansion, allowing players to triple their current salaries. At the same time, owners enjoy 60% of the revenue.
The league also launched the “WNBA Changemakers” partnership platform to “enhance player experience and drive business transformation,” with inaugural partners including AT&T, Deloitte and Nike. This platform directly supports the WNBA’s transformation across marketing, branding, and player and fan experience.
The negotiations aim to secure a “transformative” CBA, according to Jackon, that addresses issues such as increased player compensation, improved travel conditions and expanded opportunities for career development. The players believe that as the league grows in popularity and revenue, their share of the profits should increase proportionally. This includes aspects like the revenue-sharing model, which, under the 2020 CBA, began in 2021 and is based on the league achieving revenue growth targets from broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships and licensing deals.
The WNBA has seen increased fan engagement and easier access to watch games.
“Coming into the league over a decade ago and seeing where, like fan engagement is now, you know, the amount of people that are now watching and the way that they’re making it easier to watch good games,” Colson said. “I know that the players, the talent has always been there. But the access to watch hasn’t always been there.”
Players argue that this growth should directly translate into higher earnings and better working conditions.
The outcome of these CBA negotiations will undoubtedly shape the future of the WNBA, influencing everything from player salaries and benefits to the league’s overall financial health and ability to attract and retain top talent.
The players, unified in their pursuit of a fair deal, are making it clear that they are ready to fight for what they believe they are owed.
Contact Multi-Media & Senior Sports Reporter Noral Parham at 317-762-7846. Follow him on Facebook or TikTok @HorsemenSportsMedia. For more news, click here.
Noral Parham is the multi-media & senior sports reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder, one of the oldest Black publications in the country. Parham has worked with various leagues to provide a diverse perspective in sports, including the Big Ten, Big East, IHSAA, IndyCar, MLB, NHRA, NFL, NBA, WNBA, WWE and the Olympics. Prior to joining the Recorder, Parham served as the community advocate of the MLK Center in Indianapolis and senior copywriter for an e-commerce and marketing firm in Denver.
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