After a long 15-month pause, the CBA situation finally witnessed some growth. But the ESPN specialists were faster to call techs.

On January 28, Alexa Philippou, Michael Voepel, Katie Barnes and Kendra Andrews came up with four ways that could help the league and players secure a deal.

Though the players’ salaries will increase under the new CBA, there’s no equality in revenue sharing yet. The league offered 70% of NET revenue, and the players demanded 30% of gross revenue.

But Philippou said a mutual understanding on this matter will help. The players can sign up for a smaller revenue cut under a shorter contract and return for a bigger portion when the league’s profile expands.

As per Barnes, finding a NWSL type middle ground could end the housing issue. The league has housed the players since 1999. But with the pay raise, they want to cut that out.

That will cause issues for international players or those under short contracts. Instead of a total cut, the league can house anyone earning below a certain salary. While the high-earners can manage their own lodging.

The CBA situation is also a psychological crossroad for the players. And Voepel's suggestion is to lean into the wins. The league is already offering a better salary, the average being triple.

The charter flights came outside the CBA in 2024, and only wealthy owners could afford that. But now players can expect that to be codified in the new CBA. So, celebrating the already present big offers will smooth out the path.

Lastly, Andrews, Barnes and Philippou emphasised rebuilding the trust. Neither side has been collaborative. Union president Nneka Ogwumike and vice president Breanna Stewart both criticised the league’s ways.

Napheesa Collier’s public clash with Cathy Engelbert was the final nail in the coffin. Now, the league needs to rebuild trust with their players if both party wants to reach a desired outcome.

And believe it or not, there has been a resumption.

The League Has Submitted a New Proposal

On February 6, the WNBA submitted their latest proposal after a 6-week wait on the players’ side.

The details concerning the proposal remain unclear for now, but the League showed willingness to make concessions in 37 areas that the players wanted.

Those included two developmental player slots for teams, trade refusal ability for pregnant players, an increase of guaranteed contracts on a team, codification of charter flights, etc.

If the CBA situation keeps hanging for longer, both sides will suffer consequences. However, President Ogwumike was confident about the season being played. Although she admitted it would take some significant work to get the season started on time.

Do you think the season will start on the scheduled time this year? Comment down your thoughts.

You can read more at She Got Game!

Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Oajaswini Prabhu