The Las Vegas Aces, led by WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson, couldn’t even lift the league’s championship trophy before the league was embroiled in controversy. Leading up to the WNBA Finals, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert had war waged against her by All-Star Napheesa Collier, who called her and the league office out for a “lack of accountability” and many other things.
Collier’s explosive statement came at a tense time for the league, as the current collective bargaining agreement expires on October 31. The WNBA wants to avoid a lockout, which would go into effect if a new CBA isn’t agreed upon before the deadline. Chief among the discussion points for the new CBA are players’ salaries. Highly touted rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese came into the league with measly contracts, as both would make under $100,000 per season for the duration of their rookie deals.
Those salaries were due to increase naturally, with the league seeing higher revenues as seasons pass by. But current players want to get paid generously – rightfully – and are pushing hard to get that done in the new CBA. The league office obviously doesn’t want to give up too much of their pie, which has caused stalls in negotiations. But on Tuesday, WNBA players got some great news courtesy of NBA Commisioner Adam Silver.
Adam Silver reveals WNBA players will see “big increase” in salaries
Ahead of the start of the 205-26 NBA season, Silver made a public appearance and addressed CBA negotiations in the WNBA. He revealed that there will be a “big increase” in pay once the new CBA goes into effect.
“I think you should look at it in absolute numbers in terms of what they’re making, and they are going to get a big increase in this cycle of collective bargaining, and they deserve it.“
While those numbers are unclear at this moment in time, it’s an early Christmas present for Clark, Reese, Wilson and all other WNBA players.
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