She then offered her direct support for the players. The league has seen rising popularity from stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and players are now demanding their share.
“I’ve been a player, you know, and the game is in high demand, like super high demand”, she added. “If you don’t fight for something right now, you’re gonna settle for anything in the future. So, I think we’ll have a season, just me. I think we’ll have a season, and I believe it’s gonna start on time.”
Staley’s words might just come true, given the recent CBA resumption after 17 months of stalemate. However, the gap remains between the league and players.
WNBA Termed WNBPA’s Demands “Unrealistic”
On February 7, the league presented a fresh proposal that the players’ union president, Breanna Stewart, saw as a positive step. The WNBA is willing to expand developmental roster spots, increase 401(k) contributions, codify charter flights, facility standards, and other structural changes.
But the main concern involving revenue sharing remains. The players have submitted a counterproposal, asking for 27.5% of gross revenue. It is less than the 31% they demanded previously. But the league termed it as “unrealistic”, which will cause hundreds of millions of dollars in losses for teams.
The league is betting on teams’ long-term sustainability, whereas the players are betting on their own value. While Staley supports the players, the pending CBA is delaying free agency, the college draft, and the expansion draft.
With that being said, do you think the season will start on time? Comment your thoughts.