The WNBPA and the WNBA have reached critical crossroads in their negotiations for a new WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement. This comes as a result of the current deal between the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), set to expire soon. This might be the most important time in the history of the women’s game since the inception of the league. Amid this ongoing tussle that might decide the future of the WNBA for the upcoming years, they’ve received a massive boost from their counterparts.

That’s because the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has come forward to extend its support to the WNBPA. The men’s association recently took to X to showcase the same. “We stand with the women of @TheWNBPA as they work toward a collective bargaining agreement that reflects their value and impact both on and off the court.” The NBPA’s statement read. This was attached with a black and white picture that read “we stand with the players,” sent out a strong message, while exhibiting utmost camaraderie. 

The NBPA emphasized their women counterparts getting a deal that truly reflects their value, which is actually one of the biggest talking points. As things stand, the WNBA players draw their income from about 9.3 percent of the league’s revenue, which is significantly lower than the NBA players receiving 50 percent of basketball-related income. Now, that doesn’t mean that the women’s hoopers want the same terms as those of the NBA. However, they want a bigger slice of the pie than the one they are currently eating off.

However, that’s not all the WNBPA is negotiating for, as apart from better pay, the players are also seeking full-time charter travel for all teams. At the same time, they also want to modify the controversial prioritization rule. The same rule that fines or suspends veteran players who report late due to lucrative overseas commitments is seen as unjust by the players’ association. Also, the league is proposing a pay model that must grow as fixed percentages similar to the one we see in the NBA.

Now, whether the league will listen to these new CBA demands or not will be worth watching. Either way, support from the NBA players’ association will certainly help their cause, or if not, anything will increase their morale. That’s because the clock is ticking for the WNBPA and WNBA to reach an agreement on the new CBA, as the current deal is due to expire pretty soon. As a result, both parties have agreed to a 30-day extension to further give each other time to figure things out.

The WNBPA and WNBA agree to a 30-day extension amid the new CBA negotiation

The WNBA and the WNBPA are amid a historic negotiation, which, if it goes wrong, could alter the league’s future. So, as they ran out of time, both parties have finally decided to agree to a 30-day extension to continue talks for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). However, by the looks of things, if the players’ association’s demands are not met or they feel like talks are not progressing, they might consider terminating this extension at any time with just two days’ notice.

“While we believed negotiations would be further along, the players are more focused, united, and determined than ever to reach an agreement that reflects their value and undeniable impact on the league,” the WNBPA said in its statement. The current deal is set to expire this Friday, and tensions have never been higher in the history of women’s basketball. As a result of this, both sides have had several meetings in the last few days, but still seem to be miles apart from reaching an agreement.

Although the extension has been signed to prevent any work stoppages, that might not be enough. That’s because if both parties cannot reach an agreement, there’s a high chance we might be seeing a lockout. This is not just our words; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham also thinks so, as she said earlier this month, “There’s a potential lockout. I promise you we aren’t going to play until they give us what we deserve.”

“That’s kinda where it’s headed, unfortunately, which would be the dumbest basketball decision, business-wise, ever, considering the momentum the WNBA has.” Now it will be interesting to see how the league responds to these demands, with even the NBA players’ association getting involved. Will Cathy Engelbert and Co. hear the WNBA players’ voices? Or will there be a work stoppage? Only time will tell as we continue to monitor this situation closely.