WNBA Players Authorize Strike in Near-Unanimous Vote

WNBA players have voted to authorize a strike, the union said Thursday, the biggest step yet toward a potential work stoppage.

In a vote that included 93% participation from players, 98% voted to let the WNBPA executive committee call a strike when necessary.

“Time and again, the players’ thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades,” the WNBPA said in a statement. “The players’ vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players’ confidence in their leadership and their unwavering solidarity against ongoing efforts to divide, conquer, and undervalue them.” 

Earlier this month, owners offered the players an economic model that would ultimately pay them less than 15% of league revenue, sources previously confirmed to Front Office Sports; players countered with 30%.

The WNBA later issued a statement in response to the WNBPA’s strike authorization vote, which acknowledged the players’ right to authorize a future work stoppage but noted that the league strongly disagrees “with the WNBPA’s characterization of the current state of negotiations, which fundamentally misrepresents the ongoing discussions taking place at the bargaining table.

“It is difficult to understand claims that the league is resistant to change, particularly given that we are proposing numerous CBA modifications including significant immediate salary increases and a new uncapped revenue-sharing model that would ensure continued salary growth tied to revenue growth.”

The WNBA and union agreed to a second extension hours before the collective bargaining agreement was set to expire on Nov. 30, making the new deadline Jan. 9. Under the terms of the current CBA extension, the union would not be able to call a strike without first terminating the extended agreement. 

Both the WNBA and WNBPA have the right to terminate the extended agreement with 48 hours’ notice. 

This vote comes following a slew of recent public comments from players on the state of negotiations. During a three-day USA basketball camp, first vice president Kelsey Plum said, “It’s been a little bit disheartening.” Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark emphasized the importance of players fighting for what they deserve. 

“But at the same time, we need to play basketball,” Clark added. 

On Wednesday, Unrivaled cofounder and union vice president Breanna Stewart said she would welcome help from NBA commissioner Adam Silver and deputy commissioner Mark Tatum at the bargaining table. 

“What we’re doing right now isn’t really getting us anywhere,” Stewart said. “If that means Adam and Mark need to come to the table, we’re more than happy to have that,” she said.

The league’s most recent proposal includes a revenue-sharing model increasing the max player salary to more than $1.3 million, a source with knowledge of the negotiations confirmed to FOS. The max salary would increase to nearly $2 million over the span of the CBA. 

The average player salary would be $530,000 under the league’s latest proposal, and the minimum player salary would be more than $250,000 in Year 1 of the new CBA. 

“Let it be known,” the union’s statement continued. “The players remain united, resolute, and prepared to fight for their value and their future.”