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WNBA Players Authorize Strike Amidst CBA Talks
19 Dec
Summary
- WNBA players have voted to authorize a strike if contract negotiations fail.
- Key issues include higher salaries, revenue sharing, childcare, and retirement.
- The players' vote shows overwhelming support for their leadership in talks.
WNBA players have officially authorized their union's executive council to initiate a strike, a significant development amid ongoing negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. This move, announced on Thursday, provides union negotiators with increased leverage as discussions with the league have faced repeated extensions.
The players' decision reflects frustration with the WNBA's resistance to change, particularly regarding long-standing provisions. With 98% of players voting in favor after 93% participation, the mandate for potential strike action is clear. This could impact the WNBA expansion draft and the start of free agency, typically occurring in late January.
Central to the dispute are demands for higher salaries and improved revenue sharing, with players also advocating for childcare and retirement benefits. While a proposal offered a maximum salary of $1 million potentially rising to over $1.2 million with revenue sharing by 2026, players express it doesn't meet their needs, emphasizing this is a crucial moment for the league's history.
