WNBA, WNBPA agree on changes in new collective bargaining agreement

The WNBA and WNBPA announced Tuesday an eight-year agreement on a collective bargaining agreement, featuring transformative changes that could affect the WNBA and its visibility for years to come.

The deal, pending approval by the league’s players and its board of governors, is set to run through the 2027 season and more than triples the maximum earning potential for top players. The deal also features improved travel procedures, maternity benefits and career development opportunities aimed at improving the player experience.

“We’re making a big bet,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said on a conference call with reporters. “The level of play in our game has never been better. … We just need to find ways to attract fans, to activate the marketing agreements with players, collaborate and be the pioneers in women and team sports.”

The salary pool is set to increase by 53 percent under the new CBA. Top players can earn $500,000 per year through salary, incentives and marketing deals. Other players can earn more than $200,000 or $300,000 per year. The average annual salary for players will be $131,000 by 2021, resulting in a dramatic increase for all players — regardless of service time.

The league is also implementing the Commissioner’s Cup, a midseason event scheduled this year around the Olympic break. Prospective in-season tournaments in 2021 and beyond will offer a minimum of $750,000 in prize money.

Players will still travel commercially, but improved travel elements include premium economy class seating and individual hotel rooms for all players during the regular season. The Aces, of course, were mired in a bungled travel situation that cost them a game in 2018. New provisions in the CBA won’t necessarily eliminate delays, but travel itself will be more comfortable.

Key maternal elements include full salary for players on maternity leave, a childcare stipend of $5,000, two-bedroom apartments for players with children and workplace accommodations for nursing mothers.

Players with five years of service can become unrestricted free agents one year before their current contract expires starting in 2021, providing them more agency over their careers. The league will provide enhanced mental health resources, nutrition council and access to experts in women’s health.

“It’s a momentous day for the league,” WNBPA president and Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike said. “This was never really about any one of us. It was always about all of us, this generation and the next generation of women who love the game.”

In addition to the new CBA, the WNBA also announced Tuesday the formation of Changemakers, a partnership collective designed to “elevate the player experience” and support the league’s business transformations.

The WNBA is partnering with AT&T, Deloitte and Nike, companies that are invested in progressive change in the league — and across women’s sports in general. The collective will help provide an additional stream of revenue to fund some of the changes in the CBA and is seeking to increase the visibility of the league and its athletes through marketing and branding.

“I think because of the size and scale of our league, we can be a little bolder, do some different things,” Engelbert said. “That’s what you’re going to see us doing over the next year to 18 months, to ensure that as we go forward the league is going to grow and thrive.”

Contact reporter Sam Gordon at sgordon@reviewjournal.com. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.