A stronger revenue sharing scheme, more compensation, greater benefits, and a softer salary cap are what players want after opting out of the current CBA last October. Many of the future younger players, like Reese, will benefit from all of those.
For me, it was a really educational experience. The ability to see and hear the wording from both sides for the first time,” Reese remarked. “I had a strong desire to learn and comprehend what was happening. I am therefore acutely aware of the current situation. Until we achieve our goals, we won’t give up.
The parties agreed to another meeting despite their divergent positions in the initial conversations.
We had a lively conversation, but I’m not sure if I’ll say progress, Jackson said.
Some players, like Napheesa Collier and Reese, have hinted at the possibility of a walkout if a deal isn’t reached by the end of October, which may cause some immediate issues. The league’s expansion draft has traditionally taken place in December, and two new teams, Portland and Toronto, will begin play in the upcoming season. January is typically when free agency begins.
Both sides are in listening mode, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Associated Press following the meeting.
The conversation was really fruitful. “I believe that going back and forth and listening to the players—who listen to us and the owners who represent the board of governors—is undoubtedly a part of the process,” Engelbert stated. “At the end, I’m still really hopeful that we can accomplish something revolutionary. It’s a process, though.
Since its inception in 1997, the league has never suffered a defeat due to a labor stoppage. Even while they might not have made any progress toward a new agreement Thursday, Jackson insisted that the parties will eventually reach one.
According to her, we’re on pace to resume our meetings and have discussions that will result in a CBA.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s executive director, Terri Carmichael Jackson, was especially pleased with the number of rising stars like Clark who have contributed to historically high growth in almost every business statistic, including viewing and attendance.
In addition, the league intends to grow to 18 teams by 2030, with each of the three additional teams paying a $250 million expansion fee. The new $2.2 billion broadcast rights agreement will begin next season.
According to the union statement, media rights, ratings, revenue, team values, expansion fees, attendance, and ticket sales are all at an all-time high in this thriving industry. However, undervaluing the hardworking women who enable this enterprise stunts its expansion. Pretending that the current system can continue indefinitely is the one thing that makes it more unsustainable than it is.
In February, the league received an initial request from players, to which it ultimately replied last month. However, both parties stated that they remain optimistic that a solution can be achieved.
Jackson remarked, “I believe we have plenty of time.”
___
https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball is the AP WNBA.
