WNBA Players Demand Higher Salaries & Upgraded Facilities Following Record-Breaking Season

WNBA Players Demand Higher Salaries & Upgraded Facilities Following Record-Breaking Season

WNBA athletes are fighting for their worth!

Following a historic season, the WNBA Players Union announced yesterday (October 21st) that it will forgo its collective bargaining agreement with the league and negotiate a new contract seeking higher pay, upgraded team facilities, as well as better health and family planning benefits.

The union wrote in a press release:

“The WNBPA Board of Player Representatives and WNBPA Executive Committee have decided to opt out of the 2020 WNBA/WNBPA CBA on behalf of the collective…It’s business.”

Seattle Storm star and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike added:

“This is a defining moment, not just for the WNBA, but for all of us who believe in progress…opting out isn’t just about bigger paychecks — it’s about claiming our rightful share of the business we’ve built, improving working conditions and securing a future where the success we create benefits today’s players and the generations to come.”

Nneka Ogwumike

She furthered:

“We’re not just asking for a CBA that reflects our value; we’re demanding it, because we’ve earned it,”

The discussion around WNBA players’ salaries was thrust into the spotlight earlier this year as two of the league’s rookie stars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark, ushered in a new and excited fanbase.

Just last week, fans called out the league over the matter after Reese claimed her $74,000 annual salary isn’t enough to cover her monthly rent.

Cailtin Clark, Angel Reese

According to NPR, this past WNBA season saw a dramatic increase in game attendance, ratings, and overall revenue for the league, seemingly supporting the player’s push for better pay.

While negotiations are still underway, the league’s commissioner released a statement about the matter, writing:

“With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working together with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for all and lays the foundation for growth and success for years to come.”

Thoughts? Tell us in the comments below! 

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