All articles tagged with #wnbpa
As Cathy Engelbert plans to retire at the end of 2026 after guiding the WNBA through record growth, the league is weighing a diverse slate of potential successors—from former players like Swin Cash and Bethany Donaphin to Nike executive Sarah Mensah, NFL executive Renie Anderson, and even Condoleezza Rice—reflecting a focus on repairing player relations and sustaining expansion ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association issued a firm statement that players will not be used as political pawns in the transgender athlete controversy, reaffirming commitments to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion while defending women’s sports and signaling a willingness to engage in tough discussions.
The WNBPA issued a statement praising diversity and inclusion while saying it won’t be used as political pawns as the debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports continues, emphasizing Title IX protections and hard conversations amid protests and public commentary.
After 500+ days of talks, the WNBA and WNBPA reached a seven-year CBA (with an opt-out after year six) that introduces ~20% annual revenue sharing, higher salaries (top $1.4M; avg ~$600k; min $300k), a salary-cap rise from $7M to $10M, two developmental roster spots (plus potential replacement players), and expanded amenities and family-planning resources, signaling a transformational shift for players and the league pending formal approval.
The WNBPA delivered a counterproposal to the WNBA demanding 25% of league revenue (about 27.5% over the life of the deal) and team-provided housing for players in the early years, while reducing the proposed salary cap to near $9.5 million. The league countered that the proposal is unrealistic, could cost hundreds of millions, and may delay the season, noting its own offer would share under 15% of revenue in year one with a $5.65M cap that would rise over time. With the season about 80 days away, talks continue alongside expansion drafts and free agency; players had previously authorized a near-unanimous strike.