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The WNBA players union and league officials will hold their first in-person collective bargaining meeting Thursday in Indianapolis, with negotiations reportedly stalled over salary increases and revenue sharing. The current CBA expires after this season, leaving most players as potential free agents.

Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally criticized the league's initial proposal during recent negotiations. Union president Nneka Ogwumike expressed optimism that face-to-face discussions could accelerate progress after months of document exchanges between union and league staff.

"We got a proposal from the league, which was honestly a slap in the face," said Sabally.

The union seeks major changes in three primary areas: increased salaries, revenue sharing, and expanded roster sizes. Players have specifically questioned why the league's new $250 million expansion fees are not reflected in revenue-sharing agreements despite unprecedented growth across attendance and viewership metrics.

The WNBA recently secured a $2.2 billion media rights deal beginning next season and plans to expand to 18 teams by 2030. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the need for sustainable economic modeling while acknowledging the transformational nature of potential changes.

"It's interesting that there's a $250 million expansion fee, and there's no openness to have that be reflected in revenue share that goes to the players, especially as we're experiencing growth," said Ogwumike.

The union submitted its initial proposal in February, with the league responding last month after what Ogwumike described as an unexpectedly long delay. Players including Napheesa Collier and Angel Reese have mentioned potential walkout scenarios if negotiations extend beyond October.

"We'll get something done and it'll be transformational. These things take time," said Engelbert.

Union vice president Breanna Stewart acknowledged the challenging timing of negotiations during the season while emphasizing the importance of reaching an agreement before the October deadline.

Via ESPN

I hope they lock out, and when they realize they don't really matter in the grand scheme, they shut up and dribble.

I have a hunch the players kinda do matter... considering they are literally the product the WNBA puts out, in the grand scheme of course. And they started a side league so they don't need to cave in negotiations.

TheCage4 wrote:I hope they lock out, and when they realize they don't really matter in the grand scheme, they shut up and dribble.

I have a hunch the players kinda do matter... considering they are literally the product the WNBA puts out, in the grand scheme of course. And they started a side league so they don't need to cave in negotiations.

mcmelo wrote:

TheCage4 wrote:I hope they lock out, and when they realize they don't really matter in the grand scheme, they shut up and dribble.

I have a hunch the players kinda do matter... considering they are literally the product the WNBA puts out, in the grand scheme of course. And they started a side league so they don't need to cave in negotiations.

It's a male subsidized league. It would not exist without the money from the NBA. Watch Bill Burr's bit about the WNBA and women's sports in general. Great piece and factual.

The WNBA's new media deal signed last year was for $2.2 billion. Clark and Bueckers make $78k as first overall picks. You're out of your mind if you don't think they're underpaid. Burr's a comedian, your source is literally a joke- 300 people in attendance in his numbers... Last year's attendance rose 48% YoY across the league. This year's off to even better start with this rookie class- and with the next college class, leagues only going to grow. Expansion teams start at a minimum $250 mil. Crazy if you don't think there's money to be had, and to be negotiated.

mcmelo wrote:The WNBA's new media deal signed last year was for $2.2 billion. Clark and Bueckers make $78k as first overall picks. You're out of your mind if you don't think they're underpaid. Burr's a comedian, your source is literally a joke- 300 people in attendance in his numbers... Last year's attendance rose 48% YoY across the league. This year's off to even better start with this rookie class- and with the next college class, leagues only going to grow. Expansion teams start at a minimum $250 mil. Crazy if you don't think there's money to be had, and to be negotiated.

It's called caitlin clark whether you like it or not. The same player that brought eyes to the league , is the same player they trying to pushout. They should be kissing their meal ticket as much as they could

Elnegron wrote:

mcmelo wrote:The WNBA's new media deal signed last year was for $2.2 billion. Clark and Bueckers make $78k as first overall picks. You're out of your mind if you don't think they're underpaid. Burr's a comedian, your source is literally a joke- 300 people in attendance in his numbers... Last year's attendance rose 48% YoY across the league. This year's off to even better start with this rookie class- and with the next college class, leagues only going to grow. Expansion teams start at a minimum $250 mil. Crazy if you don't think there's money to be had, and to be negotiated.

It's called caitlin clark whether you like it or not. The same player that brought eyes to the league , is the same player they trying to pushout. They should be kissing their meal ticket as much as they could

What are you discussing? I'm sure there's a CC thread on this site. The topic here is the new CBA and why there's enough money being generated to go around.

mcmelo wrote:

Elnegron wrote:

mcmelo wrote:The WNBA's new media deal signed last year was for $2.2 billion. Clark and Bueckers make $78k as first overall picks. You're out of your mind if you don't think they're underpaid. Burr's a comedian, your source is literally a joke- 300 people in attendance in his numbers... Last year's attendance rose 48% YoY across the league. This year's off to even better start with this rookie class- and with the next college class, leagues only going to grow. Expansion teams start at a minimum $250 mil. Crazy if you don't think there's money to be had, and to be negotiated.

It's called caitlin clark whether you like it or not. The same player that brought eyes to the league , is the same player they trying to pushout. They should be kissing their meal ticket as much as they could

What are you discussing? I'm sure there's a CC thread on this site. The topic here is the new CBA and why there's enough money being generated to go around.

The league lost money last season correct?