An authorization vote does not mean the players are on strike, but indicates that a super-majority of it’s membership is willing to withhold its labor as leverage in the negotiations.
“Let it be known. The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future,” the WNBA Players’ Association said Thursday.
The union has extended the current contract through Jan. 9 as the negotiations have continued.
A proposed revenue share system, similar to the structure that is in the NBA, would allow the player salaries to grow as the league does. The women’s league receives about 9.3% of league-generated income while the men’s players receive 49-51% of the NBA’s basketball-related income, according to Market Watch.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told NBC News’ “TODAY” that he believes the players should be receiving more money but didn’t believe a “share” was the right descriptor.
“I think you should look at it in absolute numbers in terms of what they’re making, and they are going to bet a big increase in this cycle of collective bargaining, and they deserve it,” Silver said in an Oct. 21 interview.
The Associated Press reported earlier this month that the WNBA offered players a proposal that would include revenue sharing and have a maximum salary of $1.1 million available to more than one player per team growing each year.
In addition to salaries, the WNBA’s union is asking for improved infrastructure. That includes improvements to playing and practice facilities, enhanced player protection, codifying the charter flights program from 2024, and expanded roster sizes.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, who is on the union’s executive council, told the AP that it was also fighting for retirement and childcare benefits.