sports
The WNBA Players Got What They Wanted
A new labor agreement represents a breakthrough in women’s-sports history.
TL;DR
- WNBA players ratified a seven-year collective bargaining agreement after 17 months of negotiations.
- The deal includes a significant salary boost, with the average salary increasing to $583,000 and elite players potentially earning over $1 million.
- Players will receive a nearly doubled share of the league's revenue.
- Bonus amounts for championship wins and awards have increased, along with one-time bonuses for veterans.
- The agreement arrives amid a period of explosive growth for the WNBA, marked by record attendance, viewership, a $2.2 billion media deal, and new franchises.
- Increased competition from other emerging women's leagues and international options gave players more leverage.
- The WNBA's new deal is considered a historic moment for women's sports, though a significant gap still exists compared to men's sports.
- The deal reflects the growing momentum and investment in women's sports overall.