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WNBA Off-Season

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ConnMotors said:
This is why I have always disliked the way things were done in the W. Granted a player can take time off when having a child. But any player can decide whenever to take a year off. Then whatever team sucks and they have a crappy season.
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The problem is for now the salary. An NBA star, or actor, or CEO, or Dr. can all choose to take a year off without pay. The reason they rarely do, is they are highly paid and don't want to lose the income.

An unhappy WNBA player can take an unpaid year off, only because they give up just $80-$240,000 dollars. If they go play overseas, or take an interim coaching job they can offset some or all of this lost money. You can bet if Mabrey was set to earn $5 million, she would choose to play.
 
packwrap said:
The problem is for now the salary. An NBA star, or actor, or CEO, or Dr. can all choose to take a year off without pay. The reason they rarely do, is they are highly paid and don't want to lose the income.

An unhappy WNBA player can take an unpaid year off, only because they give up just $80-$240,000 dollars. If they go play overseas, or take an interim coaching job they can offset some or all of this lost money. You can bet if Mabrey was set to earn $5 million, she would choose to play.
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And with all the cities bidding on getting into the league, and all of them including building a separate building for training and practice facilities, how much longer will the team be in Connecticut?
 
baggerbob said:
And with all the cities bidding on getting into the league, and all of them including building a separate building for training and practice facilities, how much longer will the team be in Connecticut?
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That's of course up to the owner.

I am a bit of a contrarian here. I think the tribe has to be thrilled with the Sun.

They were winners.

Sun is of course great branding for them.

Games attract fans & casino visitors.

Value of the franchise, if they sell it has increased 10-15 times!

They have plenty of money to invest in a practice facility if that's what they choose to do, but they won't move team from Mohegan Sun if they remain owner. Players still may be unhappy to be far from a city.

Interesting to see this play out. 1st new CBA to see where future salaries go. Then business decisions for Sun. Meanwhile '25 draft and another W season. ...all this excitement in women's sports!
 
Am I correct in thinking that Chennedy Carter still hasn't signed with anyone?
 
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In two games it will be senior night at UConn. Paige Bueckers has said that going pro was the plan. However, many people take that as her going to the WNBA. I have no clue as to what her plans are but I take her at her word that this is her last year at UConn. That’s to bad because I would love to see her back for one more year using her medical redshirt. But turning professional can be a bunch of things. Everyone assumes that it means playing in the WNBA. However, there are other options. You have leagues all over the world. But foremost is Unrivaled. Paige in an investor in the league. After the college season comes to an end she can decide to not commit for the draft. Then take time off until season two of Unrivaled starts. She would not reneg on her word of turning pro was the plan. A new collective bargaining agreement should be in place within the WNBA. I feel bad for anyone that had to turn pro and go to the WNBA this coming season. The players get stuck with a crappy rookie contract that is three years plus a team option for a fourth at a low salary. I’m sure that the money will go up some after the agreement. I have never been an Arkie fan but the lady can score. And Paige is a master at dishing out the ball. We’ll see what happens soon. Last thing. Azzi Fudd please stay another year.
 
ConnMotors said:
In two games it will be senior night at UConn. Paige Bueckers has said that going pro was the plan. However, many people take that as her going to the WNBA. I have no clue as to what her plans are but I take her at her word that this is her last year at UConn. That’s to bad because I would love to see her back for one more year using her medical redshirt. But turning professional can be a bunch of things. Everyone assumes that it means playing in the WNBA. However, there are other options. You have leagues all over the world. But foremost is Unrivaled. Paige in an investor in the league. After the college season comes to an end she can decide to not commit for the draft. Then take time off until season two of Unrivaled starts. She would not reneg on her word of turning pro was the plan. A new collective bargaining agreement should be in place within the WNBA. I feel bad for anyone that had to turn pro and go to the WNBA this coming season. The players get stuck with a crappy rookie contract that is three years plus a team option for a fourth at a low salary. I’m sure that the money will go up some after the agreement. I have never been an Arkie fan but the lady can score. And Paige is a master at dishing out the ball. We’ll see what happens soon. Last thing. Azzi Fudd please stay another year.
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During the give-and-take on the Mabrey/CT Sun situation, many posters (including this one) have wondered if Mabrey -- who will be an unrestricted free agent prior to the 2026 season -- should stick with the Sun this year and then negotiate for a big contract thereafter.

In a somewhat related manner, Paige -- as you noted -- will be stuck in a rookie contract, but Arike, Carrington, Big T, Hines-Allen, etc. -- will all also be UFA's. So, Paige would be the centerpiece for Curt Miller to build around, along with Maddy Siegrist, Lou Lopez-Senechal and NaLyssa Smith (who will be a RFA). So, if she believes in Miller's ability to build a roster, she could be the focal point. And, if memory holds, the Wings are moving into Dallas from the suburbs.

As for that lousy rookie contract, the redone CBA might include upgrades to that, but In Paige's case, I'm sure she'll supplement that income with numerous marketing opportunities.

Should be interesting.
 
Is it possible a new CBA would require all existing rookie contracts be adjused to the new rookie scale?
 
ConnMotors said:
After the college season comes to an end she can decide to not commit for the draft. Then take time off until season two of Unrivaled starts. She would not reneg on her word of turning pro was the plan. A new collective bargaining agreement should be in place within the WNBA. I feel bad for anyone that had to turn pro and go to the WNBA this coming season. The players get stuck with a crappy rookie contract
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The new CBA will still have a rookie salary plus 4? years til free agency piece. The concept of lower/controlled entry salary is a part of all successful pro leagues including NBA. Players concede and desire that the high pay for free agents should be something earned. The amount of those rookie salaries is, however, sure to go up. Question is how much from current $80,000. 3x, 5x, 7x??

WNBA also odd in that the top stars earn way more right now from their off the court sponsors, than from their playing contracts.

Assuming a conservative off court earnings of $4million annually(Sponsors: Nike already with shoe, Gatorade, Crocs, Nerf, Bose, Verizon, Madison Reed etc.)for Paige in her 2025 WNBA season in Dallas, combined with her playing salary of $80,000 + $200,000 Unrivaled, and there really is no need for her to wait for the increased player salary to move on to the W.

For the foreseeable future her earnings from sponsors will still be much higher than player pay, even with a huge increase in new CBA.
 
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I think a player that waits a year could easily make as much in WNBA salary in their first three years, as they would have in four years if they went pro now. The increase in interest, attendance, and TV ratings has shot up incredibly. Big increases across the board should be the expectation, not just rookie contracts, but better practice facilities, travel etc, and outside NIL prospects, and of course new leagues that are an off-season option as well.

People are talking about how much the rookie contracts will increase, but I think the length of the rookie contracts will be on the table too. The players will want to shorten that. Being stuck on that low first contract for up to four years is a huge disadvantage for the players. Remember those contracts are generally not guaranteed, so there is no added security that comes with 3/4 years.

So not only could contracts be much much higher, but shortening the period a team controls that player could happen too, where a player that waits may not be extending their potential free agency by a year either. It is a unique year, but from a financial standpoint, all things considered, for any player that can make significant NIL money in college (which almost all high picks can) they might well be best served by waiting.
 
packwrap said:
The new CBA will still have a rookie salary plus 4? years til free agency piece. The concept of lower/controlled entry salary is a part of all successful pro leagues including NBA. Players concede and desire that the high pay for free agents should be something earned. The amount of those rookie salaries is, however, sure to go up. Question is how much from current $80,000. 3x, 5x, 7x??

WNBA also odd in that the top stars earn way more right now from their off the court sponsors, than from their playing contracts.

Assuming a conservative off court earnings of $4million annually(Sponsors: Nike already with shoe, Gatorade, Crocs, Nerf, Bose, Verizon, Madison Reed etc.)for Paige in her 2025 WNBA season in Dallas, combined with her playing salary of $80,000 + $200,000 Unrivaled, and there really is no need for her to wait for the increased player salary to move on to the W.

For the foreseeable future her earnings from sponsors will still be much higher than player pay, even with a huge increase in new CBA.
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I think another issue for the rookies is the length of time for their first contract. I have no idea whether the next CBA will address this, but it can't be a very appealing idea to be drafted by a franchise that you don't like (for whatever reason - location, facilities, dysfunctionality) and be stuck there for 3-4 years. Almost like choosing a college, then finding out it's a bad fit for you but being unable to transfer out.
 
hoopsdiva said:
I think another issue for the rookies is the length of time for their first contract. I have no idea whether the next CBA will address this, but it can't be a very appealing idea to be drafted by a franchise that you don't like (for whatever reason - location, facilities, dysfunctionality) and be stuck there for 3-4 years. Almost like choosing a college, then finding out it's a bad fit for you but being unable to transfer out.
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If the contract length were to change, this would be going against the norm. The NFL and NBA player unions agreed to four year terms when their CBAs were renegotiated.

If memory serves correct it was in reaction to rookie contracts and the numbers associated with them (e.g. 10 years for $100M). Owners claimed this was the reason they couldn't pay veterans what they were asking when they became free agents.
 
If the reported buy-in for new franchises as reported as correct it would be my thought that the Union should have a very short CBA. These new potential investors are playing large sums anticipating that they can get labor contracts from the Union at a very favorable term for the early years of their investment.

I think the union opted out was a wise strategy and the shorter the next CBA the better for players.

Discussion about issues other than term obfuscate motivation of the new investors and work to their advantage. I would hope that the executive council of The players association has investment bankers at their side as they evaluate alternatives for length of the next contract
 
oldhusky said:
I think a player that waits a year could easily make as much in WNBA salary in their first three years, as they would have in four years if they went pro now. The increase in interest, attendance, and TV ratings has shot up incredibly. Big increases across the board should be the expectation, not just rookie contracts, but better practice facilities, travel etc, and outside NIL prospects, and of course new leagues that are an off-season option as well.

People are talking about how much the rookie contracts will increase, but I think the length of the rookie contracts will be on the table too. The players will want to shorten that. Being stuck on that low first contract for up to four years is a huge disadvantage for the players. Remember those contracts are generally not guaranteed, so there is no added security that comes with 3/4 years.

So not only could contracts be much much higher, but shortening the period a team controls that player could happen too, where a player that waits may not be extending their potential free agency by a year either. It is a unique year, but from a financial standpoint, all things considered, for any player that can make significant NIL money in college (which almost all high picks can) they might well be best served by waiting.
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It would be very interesting to do an historical analysis of what constitutes a player. Both rookies and returning members in the w are a diverse group financially. For every Brianna steward there is a Celeste Taylor. I may be warped from my exposure to the Mercury but for the top end of that roster the goat, BG, and then pick the third you've got a whole raft of players probably greater a number such as Natasha Mack.

Over time these marginal players even with some European income will have lifetime earnings less than the lifetime earnings of a high school teacher working in California. Therefore it would be very interesting to know what type of benefits these marginal players would be entitled to at the end of their career.
 
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JellyBean said:
Washington will have a nice squad with those picks. Of course, a lot will depend on who declares for the draft.
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Agree. Good trade for Mystics, who now have a pair of high choices moving forward while giving up a very solid player, who will be a UFA after this season (although could be cored?). As noted, there still could be some uncertainty as to whom some of those players are, but the Mystics are going to get theirs, for sure.
 
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Kevin Pelton of ESPN adds his analysis. He thinks the Atkins for a #3 in the 2025 draft was ok, but wasn't so excited about possibly swapping the '27 pick.

www.espn.com

WNBA offseason trade grades 2025: Winners and losers

Natasha Cloud gives New York another skilled distributor and a stronger defense, while Connecticut gains two first-round picks to help its rebuild.
www.espn.com www.espn.com
 
Dillon77 said:
Kevin Pelton of ESPN adds his analysis. He thinks the Atkins for a #3 in the 2025 draft was ok, but wasn't so excited about possibly swapping the '27 pick.

www.espn.com

WNBA offseason trade grades 2025: Winners and losers

Natasha Cloud gives New York another skilled distributor and a stronger defense, while Connecticut gains two first-round picks to help its rebuild.
www.espn.com www.espn.com
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From what I've heard, the Mystics get the better of the pick swap. Plus it's the 2nd rounder. Kevin Pelyon isn't very knowledgeable.

Most are predicting the Mystics will get in order.

Malonga
Citron
Sellers (or the international guard) because they need more backcourt help.

I would pick Morrow because she’s such a rebounding machine.
 
JellyBean said:
Washington will have a nice squad with those picks. Of course, a lot will depend on who declares for the draft.
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...and these 3 new picks plus Edwards all on current 4 yr rookie deals, instead of whatever the new CBA achieves. This will give Mystics nice salary cap room for '26-'28.
 
TerpWomenFan said:
From what I've heard, the Mystics get the better of the pick swap. Plus it's the 2nd rounder. Kevin Pelyon isn't very knowledgeable.

Most are predicting the Mystics will get in order.

Malonga
Citron
Sellers (or the international guard) because they need more backcourt help.

I would pick Morrow because she’s such a rebounding machine.
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They have A. Edwards already
 
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