The WNBA’s ongoing contentious collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations show no signs of resolution, with Seattle Storm veteran and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike taking a prominent role. Recently, Ogwumike publicly voiced her concerns regarding the league’s latest offer, which includes a guaranteed base salary of $1 million but only allocates 15% of revenue to players under the current system. This revenue-sharing percentage is expected to decline over the duration of the agreement. Although the WNBA has proposed a new model promising a 50% revenue share for players, the specifics remain unclear.
Ogwumike expressed frustration over the talks, stating that there is a lack of trust and a culture that does not genuinely value the players’ input. She remarked to The Athletic that while the players feel heard, they do not feel truly listened to, and she hopes the ongoing 40-day extension to negotiations will change that dynamic to help secure a fair deal. The deadline for this extension is January 9th. Meanwhile, the league has also suggested other changes, such as cutting back on team housing and starting the season earlier.
Since becoming WNBPA president, Ogwumike has been committed to using the league’s influence to promote social and political progress. She played a key role in the 2020 CBA negotiations that introduced significant player protections, including competitive salaries and maternity benefits. She was also active in supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and voting initiatives during the 2020 election. In 2024, she took over leadership of LeBron James’ More Than A Vote campaign.
Fan Take: This ongoing negotiation saga is crucial for WNBA fans because it directly impacts the players’ well-being and the league’s long-term sustainability. A fair and transparent agreement could elevate the sport’s profile, improve player conditions, and inspire even greater fan support.
