sports
The WNBA’s historic deal teaches girls everywhere to advocate for themselves
A landmark new CBA should be a moment of progress. Instead, the discourse around the negotiations revealed the same old attitudes – and my daughters recognized them instantly
TL;DR
- The WNBA's new collective bargaining agreement features a salary cap increase to $7 million by 2025, maximum salaries nearing $1.4 million, 20% revenue sharing, and expanded rosters.
- Discussions around the CBA revealed persistent sexist attitudes towards women's sports, with critics questioning players' demands for better treatment.
- The author's daughters, who are young athletes, recognized these dismissive attitudes from their own experiences with unequal resources and respect in girls' sports.
- Historically, WNBA players received a significantly lower percentage of league revenue (around 9%) compared to male athletes in other professional leagues.
- The author argues that the structural causes of the gender pay gap, including unequal opportunities and norms, underscore the importance of this WNBA deal for future generations.