WNBA discussion thread?

#1,777
#1,777
StorrsCentral said:
As a UConn fan this was what I was hoping for and quite expecting of the draft last season. To a team with young great talent to the worst team in the league with some older disposable talent. Looking forward to seeing what they can do together. Could be great.
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Not thrilled with Noel Quinn as coach. I was hoping it would be Nola Henry, she and Rickea really hit it off in LA. Rae got Tspoon as a coach, which meh. She also has Courtney Williams, RhyneHoward and B.G. as teammates in addition to Hamby.
 
#1,782
#1,782
From what I read somewhere it would run alongside the college basketball season, starting in November. Could be wrong, I probably just skimmed the article.
If it was during the WNBA season, then Nneka should have to resign as president of the PA since she will be playing in a new competitive league.
 
#1,783
#1,783
glv98 said:
Maybe, but it still doesn't justify these grotesque conflicts of interest among the negotiating players.
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That is a really unfortunate development. I mean a lot of people are quite happy to take the $ that flows from the Saudi's "sportswashing" agenda (pro golf and pro European soccer I am looking at you) but the WNBA (and its players) have promoted themselves as advocates for social justice. The tragic irony of a Saudi sponsored "women's league" is hard not to choke on.
 
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#1,784
#1,784
StorrsCentral said:
From what I read somewhere it would run alongside the college basketball season, starting in November. Could be wrong, I probably just skimmed the article.
If it was during the WNBA season, then Nneka should have to resign as president of the PA since she will be playing in a new competitive league.
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The new league will be in more direct competition with the sainted Unrivaled.



The Saudis are playing their LIV card.
 
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#1,785
#1,785
madtownvol said:
That is a really unfortunate development. I mean a lot of people are quite happy to take the $ that flows from the Saudi's "sportswashing" agenda (pro golf and pro European soccer I am looking at you) but the WNBA (and its players) have promoted themselves as advocates for social justice. The tragic irony of a Saudi sponsored "women's league" is hard not to choke on.
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Particularly considering nearly half or more of the league are LGBT. Saudi Arabia has a terrible human rights record. Many of them would be condemned to severe punishment or death just for dating a woman.
 
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#1,787
#1,787
Owing to Britney Griner's imprisonment saga, Russia is no longer the attraction for W players it was once was. But back in the day, all the big stars, including Taurasi and CP3, played in Russia. Russia's human rights record and it stance on LBGQT rights is pretty dismal as well.

So, this is not the first time "blood money" has tainted the W.
 
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#1,788
#1,788
madtownvol said:
Owing to Britney Griner's imprisonment saga, Russia is no longer the attraction for W players it was once was. But back in the day, all the big stars, including Taurasi and CP3, played in Russia. Russia's human rights record and it stance on LBGQT rights is pretty dismal as well.

So, this is not the first time "blood money" has tainted the W.
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…filthy lucre…
 
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#1,789
#1,789
up until this year when contract talks begin the players have had little leverage. Many believe the TV deals were far too low for the growth in viewership. The messages from the top players were "together" versus the previous year of petty drama. the players have clout and the management and players need to come out of the negotations with a reputation of being a professional league - including management of league and individual teams, and of course ensuring the quality of the refs and the rules they will enforce and not enfore. (ie, the refs for the men do not call traveling until four steps!)

salary levels based on player's abilities and fan support, rather than average for all, when an LSU player is making $1M as a student doesn't make sense to go pro and lose money.
 
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#1,790
#1,790
If I were a female athlete today with the choice of playing professionally in Saudi Arabia or Russia, or working a register at McDonald’s, I’d be “Would you like fries with that?”
 
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#1,792
#1,792
The main WNBA contract issue in 2025 is the ongoing negotiation for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the primary conflict centered on the players' demand for a larger share of league revenue compared to the league's preference for fixed salaries. While the WNBA has proposed significant salary increases, players like those on the WNBPA feel the league's model still fails to adequately link player compensation to the business's success, citing a historic underpayment in the sport.

Key issues and points of contention
  • Revenue sharing vs. fixed salaries: The players want a system where a direct percentage of basketball-related income is split, similar to the NBA, while the league prefers a fixed salary cap with revenue sharing only if revenue targets are met.
  • Salary increases: The league has proposed higher salary maximums (over $1.1 million) and minimums (over $220,000). However, the issue is less about the new figures and more about the structure of how players are compensated, specifically the reliance on revenue sharing vs. fixed salaries.
  • Player and management perspectives:
    • Players: The WNBPA has stated the league's proposal "Retread a system that isn't tied to any part of the business and intentionally undervalues the players," according to Sport Resolutions.
    • Management: WNBA leadership has argued that the league prefers fixed salaries for "sustainability reasons," according to Sport Resolutions.
  • Impact of a potential failure to agree:
    • The current CBA expired on October 31, 2025, and the deadline for a new one was extended to November 30, 2025.
    • A prolonged negotiation could impact the basketball calendar and business opportunities.
    • There is a risk of a lockout or strike, which could delay or cancel the 2026 season, though the league has avoided work stoppages in its history.

Other related issues
  • Player development: The players' union wants to ensure that the new deal provides fair pay for all players, particularly the younger ones who might otherwise be overlooked by the league's new proposals.
 
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#1,795
#1,795
frontofficesports.com

WNBA Proposes Cutting Team Housing, Earlier Start to Season

The league is proposing a seven-figure base maximum salary, but it’s coming at a cost, multiple sources told FOS.
frontofficesports.com frontofficesports.com
Not boding well for a W season. The housing thing is risky and as the article says esp harmful to lower level players who get moved around a lot. But moving camp and season back to where it interferes w the college season is just nuts. Season needs expanding but on the other end.
 
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#1,796
#1,796
The league has put the lie to their previous assertions that (1) they are not earning profits and (2) they are sober and serious business types concerned with the long term viability of the teams.
Here is the proof:

“The salary cap, currently $1.5 million per team, would increase to $5 million.”
 
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#1,797
#1,797
glv98 said:
frontofficesports.com

WNBA Proposes Cutting Team Housing, Earlier Start to Season

The league is proposing a seven-figure base maximum salary, but it’s coming at a cost, multiple sources told FOS.
frontofficesports.com frontofficesports.com
Not boding well for a W season. The housing thing is risky and as the article says esp harmful to lower level players who get moved around a lot. But moving camp and season back to where it interferes w the college season is just nuts. Season needs expanding but on the other end.
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Almost seems like the owners want a lock-out-- okay, we will give a pay raise but you have to accept [long list) of unreasonable concessions.

Competing with march madness is just true madness. That can not be a good faith proposal.
 
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#1,798
#1,798
glv98 said:
frontofficesports.com

WNBA Proposes Cutting Team Housing, Earlier Start to Season

The league is proposing a seven-figure base maximum salary, but it’s coming at a cost, multiple sources told FOS.
frontofficesports.com frontofficesports.com
Not boding well for a W season. The housing thing is risky and as the article says esp harmful to lower level players who get moved around a lot. But moving camp and season back to where it interferes w the college season is just nuts. Season needs expanding but on the other end.
Click to expand...
Right now they give monthly stipends to players that opt out of housing, they can use that money for their own housing. I’m wondering if they will still give them monthly stipends instead of housing them. They didn’t mention that in the article.
 
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#1,800
#1,800
knoxvol52 said:
WNBA better figure it out, next Summer they will compete with not only Baseball but the World Cup is next year.. more Americans watch those games than people realize.
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Ownership and management are proving to not be ready for prime time.

The W fell into a great PR situation by having the draft follow immediately after the NCAAs and provide a huge media bump for the new season as more casual fans are still tuned in to women's basketball.. The W draft has been gaining viewer momentum. Pushing the season back to overlap with March Madness would kill that PR golden goose.

The players are way ahead of league management when it comes to media savvy.
 
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