The 2024 WNBA draft was historic in more ways than one. Sure, the draft included stars such as Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. But it was also the most viewed draft in league history, with a 328% increase in viewers compared to the 2023 edition. Since then, the records have been shattered more than a few times. According to an ESPN report, WNBA viewership increased by a staggering 170% in 2024 compared to 2023. Every statistical metric related to the WNBA has increased, except one: salaries. 

Early on in the year, the WNBPA opted out of the 2020 CBA. While negotiations for a new deal have been going on for the majority of the season, they haven’t been particularly productive. There was hope to come to an understanding during the in-person meeting around the All-Star break. However, the meeting did not yield any results, and Breanna Stewart called the meeting a ‘wasted opportunity’. As if that wasn’t bad enough, recently, another disappointing update regarding the negotiations has come to light. 

According to a recent report by Annie Costabile, it is very unlikely that the league and the players’ association will agree to a new deal before the October 31 deadline. In case this scenario actually comes to pass, it would be very bad news for the WNBA. 

Not only is there a risk of a first-ever lockdown in the league’s history, but they could also potentially face issues with the expansion teams, Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. With both teams set to join the league, any details regarding the expansion draft are yet to be released.

There is another option to keep the league running with a 60-day extension. However, both parties need to agree to that. The message coming from the players’ side is not a very optimistic one, as they are openly calling out the league’s lack of urgency. In a statement, WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael said, “As we approach the 60-day mark, the league’s lack of urgency leaves players wondering if it is focused on making this work or just running out the clock. Fans do not want that. They are with the players in demanding a new standard for the W.”

As soon as this report came out, fans took to social media to give their takes on what is certainly disappointing news. 

Fans react to the latest update regarding the WNBA’s CBA negotiations

As predicted, fans have strong reactions to this news. While the support has been evident right through the All-Star weekend when the crowd had chanted ‘pay them,’ they are also treading with caution. 

“The players deserve more money and way better officiating. But I think a walkout may backfire, it could just lose all they’ve gained the last 2 years,” one of them said. As of now, the players only receive 9.3% of the total league’s earnings. This revenue share is far below that of any other sports league. For example, NBA players are paid 50% of the revenue.

With the league’s visibility on a surge, the $2.2 billion media rights in place, and the expansion fee of around $250 million expected in the coming years, pulling a pause now, could hinder the momentum W has been on. 

Another fan replied, “Well sucks for the new teams next season. Gotta push it back to 2027.” As 2 new teams prepare to join the league, this isn’t going to be a usual off-season: expansion draft. This delay can result in the league’s schedule clashing with that of the NBA and the NFL, which can pose a further challenge for ratings. But even if the league were to take a break, fans already have a solution. 

“Shut it down. We’ll just watch unrivaled. It’s more peaceful over there anyways,” one expressed. Admittedly, this season of the WNBA has been a little chaotic. The concerns with physicality, injuries, and officiating, have been league wide. But over at Unrivaled, it has been a different atmosphere all together. The players share locker rooms, the salary is record high, and no one will be missing the star-studded lineups thanks to Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart’s vision. 

But yet, it’s a shame no conclusions have been reached in a league so historic. A report by the Athletic even showed how the international players are expressing increasing interest in the league due to the competitiveness and the record numbers. There were 34 of them just this season. Going downhill now just isn’t it for the fans. “I’m shocked! Well, not really that shocked. Who do they have in the room negotiating this s- anyways? I know we all tend to assume it’s like Stewie and Nneka but who are the actual names in the room?”

As per the players, everyone of them has been involved in the process as seen during the All-Star weekend. But heading the negotiations are the likes of Nneka Ogwumike, VP Kelsey Plum, Collier, Stewart, and Alysha Clark among others. The Lynx star even addressed the roadblocks and the demands they are refusing to back away from during a talk with Sue Bird.

“We are going after rev share so hard,” she had said. “We have to be making sure that we are getting a better percentage, first of the league one, and then getting the team one.” The Golden State Valkyries have had unprecedented success in their inaugural season. Not only are they on track for the playoffs, but their valuation is estimated at league-high $500 million. Sportico also reported that each franchise is worth $269 million on an average now. So it is right of the players to demand a fair share but they have got to be careful.

“Players need to realise this would kill all the momentum of league a whole year out, all the new Caitlin fans and non USA fans will lose interest. It will go back to the days of 4K areas. What more do you want when offered 1 million salary cap craziness,” another added. 

As per this reported offer, the league had offered to raise the minimum salary from $66K to $250K. According to reports, the players called this offer a slap to the face. The main concern that the players raise is the lack of transparency from the league’s side about the finances. They have also reportedly said that this offer, while it may increase their salaries, would keep the revenue share at the same rate. In short, back to square one. 

With just over 60 days left for the deadline to sign a new deal, the concern about a lockout has never been more real.