WNBA Players Offer Less Revenue Share and Housing in New Deal Proposal

The WNBA players union has offered a new deal with a proposed 26% revenue share, down from previous demands. This is a key change in ongoing labor talks.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

A recent proposal from the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) to the WNBA includes concessions on key issues, specifically revenue sharing and housing. This comes amid ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), with the previous deal having expired. The WNBPA's latest offer follows a proposal from the league, signaling continued dialogue between the two sides.

The WNBPA's counterproposal, submitted on Friday evening, presents shifts in their stance on revenue distribution and player housing. These changes are part of a larger effort to reach an agreement on a new CBA, which has seen active negotiations since the players' union opted out of the prior contract. The timeline for reaching a new agreement is a point of focus, with implications for the start of free agency.

Sources: New WNBPA proposal offers concessions - 1

Key Points of Negotiation

The collective bargaining process between the WNBA and the WNBPA centers on several significant points. The WNBPA's most recent proposal aims to address these through compromise.

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  • Revenue Sharing: The players' union is proposing a system where players receive 26% of gross revenue over the life of the agreement. This figure represents a slight adjustment from previous offers. The WNBA, however, has favored a revenue-sharing model based on net revenue, which is calculated after expenses are deducted.

  • Housing: Provisions for team-provided housing are another critical element. The WNBPA's new proposal asks for continued team-provided housing for players in the initial years of a new agreement. Specifics mentioned include offering first-year and minimum-salary players a one-bedroom apartment for the first three years of the CBA, and studio apartments for developmental players. This is a modification from the league's previous stance, which had sought to eliminate housing benefits altogether.

  • Years of Service for Developmental Players: The WNBPA has also offered a concession regarding the years of service limit for developmental players. They are now proposing a six-year limit, a change from their earlier request for no limit based on experience. The league's recent proposal suggested a four or five-year limit, depending on minutes played.

The WNBPA's Latest Proposal

The WNBPA submitted its latest counterproposal on Friday evening, as reported by multiple sources. This offer represents an attempt to bridge the gap with the WNBA on several key terms.

Sources: New WNBPA proposal offers concessions - 2

  • Revenue Share Adjustment: The union's offer suggests an average of 27.5 percent of gross team and league revenue for players. This is a marginal adjustment from prior demands, aiming to find common ground with the league's financial proposals.

  • Housing Concessions: The union has made concessions on housing, asking for players to continue to receive team-provided housing in the early years of a new deal. This includes specific apartment types based on player status and years of service.

  • Developmental Player Service Limit: The WNBPA has proposed a six-year service limit for developmental players, a notable shift from their initial position. This area remains a point of discussion, with the league having proposed different terms.

League Response and Ongoing Standoff

The WNBA has reportedly reacted to the WNBPA's latest proposal, with some reports indicating the league views the offer as "unrealistic" and has warned that the sides are "running out of time." This response suggests that while concessions have been made, significant disagreements persist.

  • The league's position on revenue sharing has consistently leaned towards a net revenue model, contrasting with the WNBPA's preference for gross revenue.

  • The WNBPA has expressed urgency in finalizing a new CBA, noting that delays can impact the start of free agency. The current timeline suggests a continued back-and-forth as both parties work towards an agreement.

Expert Analysis

Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the WNBPA's proposal represents a tangible effort to compromise on core issues. The concessions made on revenue sharing percentages and the structure of housing benefits signal a strategic move to facilitate an agreement. However, the WNBA's reported reaction highlights the deep-seated differences that still need to be resolved. The league's emphasis on net revenue and its proposed limits on developmental player service represent the counterpoints that the players must navigate. The ongoing exchange of proposals underscores the complexity of these negotiations and the stakes involved for the future of the league and its players.

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Conclusion

The WNBPA has submitted a new proposal to the WNBA that includes concessions on revenue sharing and housing. These adjustments aim to move the collective bargaining process forward after the union opted out of the previous agreement. Key areas of discussion include the percentage of gross revenue players would receive and the continuation of team-provided housing. The league's response suggests that while progress may be incremental, substantial differences remain. The ongoing negotiations will determine the terms of the next CBA, impacting player compensation, benefits, and the overall structure of the WNBA. The urgency expressed by the players' union points to a need for a swift resolution, while the league's feedback indicates a continued divergence on critical issues.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the WNBA players union offering in the new deal proposal?
The WNBA players union has offered a new proposal that includes concessions on revenue sharing, suggesting players would receive 26% of gross revenue. They also made changes to housing benefits for players.
Q: Why did the WNBA players union offer less revenue share in their latest proposal?
The players union is trying to reach a new agreement with the WNBA. By offering a slightly lower revenue share percentage, they hope to find common ground with the league's financial proposals.
Q: What are the changes to housing benefits in the WNBA players' new proposal?
The WNBA players union wants to keep team-provided housing for players in the first few years of a new deal. They propose specific apartment types for new and minimum-salary players, which is a change from earlier requests.
Q: How did the WNBA league respond to the players' latest proposal?
The WNBA league reportedly called the players' new proposal 'unrealistic' and warned that both sides are running out of time. This shows that major disagreements still exist despite the concessions.
Q: What is the main disagreement between the WNBA players and the league?
The main disagreements are about how revenue should be shared (gross vs. net revenue) and the details of team-provided housing benefits. Both sides are trying to agree on these key points for a new contract.