💰 MONEY MOVES

TIME TO PLAY THE (WAITING) GAME!!

The deadline for the latest WNBA collective bargaining agreement extension came and went. As expected, no agreement was reached between the league and the Players’ Association. After the deadline passed, the league and PA released statements noting that they’re continuing to work to reach the best outcome. We’re entering uncharted waters, so what comes next?

For now, we’re entering a “status quo” period. That means the conditions set forth in the most recent CBA remain in place while both sides continue negotiating a new contract.

There remains the chance of a strike being called by the PA or the league initiating a lockout, but that appears unlikely at this point in time.

With things supposedly operating as usual, the league office wanted teams to prepare for free agency like they normally would. Sending out qualifying offers, core designations, and everything else that comes with a regular WNBA off-season.

Now you’re probably asking yourself, “What is there to offer or sign when no one even knows what the salary cap will look like?” You, dear reader, are not alone! As Alexa Philippou of ESPN reports:

It is widely expected that players would not want to sign contracts while a new salary system, with massive expected increases in compensation, is still being bargained over.

And on Monday afternoon, the obvious became reality

With a moratorium on free agency, the league and the PA can solely focus on ironing out a new CBA.

In a perfect world, an agreement would have been reached months ago so the league could get to incorporating its new expansion teams. However, this is the world we have, and we’ve got to wait until something gets done.

When it comes to the actual business of the CBA, the league is reportedly looking to offer players net revenue, while players are seeking 30 percent of gross revenue. In layman’s terms, net is what’s left after all the taxes and the like are paid for, whereas the gross is the money that’s there before certain deductions are made.

There's too much at stake for the WNBA to miss games and stall their momentum. It’s up to the league to offer a CBA that allows players to reap the rewards of their hard work while also securing the league's future. There's still time, but we don't have forever.