The WNBA and the players’ union are returning to the negotiating table

For the first time since October, the players’ union (VNBPA) and the VNBA will meet in person to negotiate the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA). By mid-January, the two sides had reached an agreement on the establishment freezing of the next “free agency”which should start in January.

However, as we enter the month of February, no agreement has been reached between the two camps regarding the next CBA, even as the WNBA has begun announcing next season dates.

Just before Christmas the players had approved the possibility of a strike if necessary. If the latter seemed more possible than ever, ESPN broadcasts to cause a split within the players’ union itself.

On the one hand, the group is determined not to make any concessions before getting the implementation of its revenue-sharing model, closer to the NBA model. Another group has emerged and this group believes that even if there are still points to be negotiated, the players have already made significant progress. The latter group would feel closer to an agreement with the VNBA and therefore less inclined to start a strike.

Expected meeting

“I think this is a great moment for all of women’s sports, one of the greatest we’ve ever seen.” underlines Caitlin Clarke. “I know everyone is working hard. Monday’s meeting is very important and I know we will do something in the coming weeks. There are still a lot of boxes to check. We have added two new teams and there will be more players than ever. We have to organize free agency and then the draft. Although there is still a lot to do, I am confident that both sides will reach an agreement soon.”

The meeting scheduled for Monday will bring together all the leaders of the players’ union. President Mrs. Ogwumike will be present, as well as three vice presidents Kelsey Plum, Napheesa Collier etc Breanna Stewarteven if the latter will participate in the meeting via video. This will also be the case with certain members of the executive council who could not travel to New York.

For the VNBPA, this meeting is an opportunity to speak directly with the owners, something the players’ union has been demanding for several weeks.

“At the end of the day, we are human beings and face-to-face conversations are very important,” recalls Kelsey Plum. “As this meeting approaches, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to be in person with other players who are invested in the project, as well as with the League and members of the Executive Committee.”