WNBA Players’ Union Meeting
NEW YORK (AP) — The WNBA players’ union convened a meeting on Tuesday evening with its members as part of ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). According to a source familiar with the discussions, the union intends to distribute a survey to gather player opinions regarding the league’s most recent contract proposal. Last year, the players’ union opted out of the expiring agreement, and since then, the two parties have struggled to finalize a new deal.
Player Input and Agent Collaboration
In December, the union previously sought player input through a survey aimed at authorizing its seven-member executive committee to potentially call a strike if necessary. Meanwhile, in a letter addressed to Terri Carmichael Jackson, the union’s executive director, by notable player agents — which was acquired by the Associated Press — there was a proposal for a collaborative approach in gathering feedback from players. The agents encouraged the union to prioritize “transparency and coordinated communication,” emphasizing that in the current stage of negotiations, it is crucial for everyone involved to share information effectively.
Urgency in Negotiations
Front Office Sports initially reported on Tuesday’s committee meeting with players. The WNBA conveyed during a virtual negotiation session this past Monday the urgency in reaching an agreement by March 10 to ensure the season begins on schedule. Another individual, who requested anonymity given the sensitive nature of these discussions, confirmed this information to the AP.
Agents’ Proposal and Survey Distribution
The agents expressed that they’d review the league’s contract proposal if bound by a nondisclosure agreement and offered to assist with crafting the survey questions. Their goal is to encourage robust participation and timely responses from players. The letter highlighted an unprecedented collective stance among agents, reflecting a unified commitment to supporting players and maintaining the league’s long-term viability.
Further, the agents suggested utilizing text messaging for the survey distribution, as this method may yield a higher response rate compared to email. They also requested clarity on how the responses to the survey would be analyzed, as they believe that transparency will foster trust and alignment within all parties involved.
Timeline for Labor Agreement
Should the union and the league reach a labor agreement by the specified March deadline, it is anticipated that the deal could be formalized by the end of that month. This timeline would also affect the scheduling of significant events, such as the expansion draft for new teams in Portland and Toronto, slated to occur between April 1 and April 6, as per information from the AP. Following this, free agents would receive qualifying offers on April 7 and 8, allowing teams a three-day window to negotiate with over 80% of players currently set to hit free agency. The designated signing period is expected to run from April 12 to April 18, followed by the opening of training camps and the commencement of the season on May 8.
