12/18/25 05:18:00
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12/18 17:16 CST WNBA players union authorizes negotiators to call a strike if
needed during CBA talks
WNBA players union authorizes negotiators to call a strike if needed during CBA
talks
By DOUG FEINBERG
AP Basketball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --- WNBA players have authorized their union's executive council
to call a strike if necessary, the union announced Thursday as it continues to
negotiate a collective bargaining agreement with the league.
The WNBPA and league have been negotiating a new agreement for the past few
months, extending the deadline a couple of times with the latest one set to
expire Jan. 9. The move gives union negotiators another tool to use in talks.
"The players' decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations
with the WNBA and its teams," the union said in a statement. "Time and again,
the players' thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and
its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian
provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades."
The union said there was overwhelming support in the vote to allow the
executive council to call for a strike when it sees fit. With 93% of players
voting, 98% voted yes to authorize a strike if needed.
"The players' vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention
to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players' confidence
in their leadership," the statement said.
A strike could delay the WNBA expansion draft and the beginning of free agency
that usually starts in late January. The season itself isn't expected to begin
until late April or early May.
Players and owners have been meeting regularly to negotiate. Increased salaries
and revenue sharing are two big areas that the sides aren't close on.
The WNBA said in a statement it was aware of the players' decision but "remains
steadfast in its commitment to reaching an agreement as soon as possible and
delivering a 30th season for the players, fans, teams, and partners."
"While we acknowledge the players' right to authorize a future work stoppage,
we strongly disagree with the WNBPA's characterization of the current state of
negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking
place at the bargaining table," the league said. "It is difficult to understand
claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are
proposing numerous CBA modifications including significant immediate salary
increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued
salary growth tied to revenue growth."
The league's most recent offer would raise maximum salaries in 2026 above $1.3
million from their current $249,000, growing to nearly $2 million over the life
of the agreement, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The
Associated Press.
The average salary in 2026 would be more than $530,000, up from its current
$120,000, and grow to more than $770,000 over the life of the agreement. The
minimum salary would grow from its current $67,000 to more than $250,000 in the
first year, the person said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the
details were to remain private.
Napheesa Collier, who is on the executive council, said in a Zoom earlier this
week that players are also fighting for child care and retirement benefits. She
acknowledged that revenue sharing remains the main issue, which is why other
topics haven't been talked about as much.
"I don't think there's fatigue," Collier said. "Obviously, there's frustration
in that both sides are trying to get what they want, but we still have that
fire within us that we're willing to do what it takes. We're going to do
whatever it takes to get what we think we deserve."
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark said at USA Basketball camp last week that
this was the "biggest moment in the history" of the league.
"It's not something that can be messed up," Clark said.
"We're going to fight for everything we deserve, but at the same time we need
to play basketball. That's what our fans crave. You want the product on the
floor. In the end of the day that's how you're marketable, that's what the fans
want to show up for."
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AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball
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