WNBA-Players' Union Agreement

[Skeets]

You are putting all of your emphasis on "intent", as opposed to "effect". Regardless of what the intent of the Unrivaled investors or players is or was, it is likely that the effect is to allow the players to develop their skills in a way which will benefit their WNBA careers. Moreover, they can do this without going overseas or otherwise disrupting their lives with respect to child care, housing, and similar issues.

I think the "intent" of the players who were the driving force behind the creation of Unrivaled was to make overseas winter play unnecessary by replacing the most of income that it provides, but also affording more palatable lifestyle choices for them. It is a great deal for the players as long as it lasts. The question is whether it is financially viable in the long run for investors. I am not aware of any data yet that shows the financial performance (or lack thereof) of Unrivaled in its first year, but that will be the critical question in the next few months.

There is a relationship (not sure if that is the correct word) intended or not between Unrivaled and the W in that every Unrivaled player plays in the W. I'm not saying that Unrivaled is a W developmental league. Far from it since it's the best W players that are in the Unrivaled. If a subset implies a relationship, then there's that relationship between Unrivaled and the W.

 

[temery]

I agree. As you probably know, the NBA is basically the manager/owner of the WNBA while controlling about 60% of it. And they'll milk every last dollar out of it.

The WNBA Labor Dispute Is Just Another Choice Made by the NBA - The Sling

At what point do you believe there will be dollars to actually milk from the WNBA?

 

[BobbyJ]

At what point do you believe there will be dollars to actually milk from the WNBA?

It won’t be long. The popularity and revenue is rising quickly and about half of the franchises are already owned or operated by NBA owners. Plus more billionaires and current owners are lining up for new franchises. As long as they can keep WNBA revenue sharing at 20% of gross while the NBA players get 50%, they know there will be plenty of payoff coming.

 

[packwrap]

You have to wonder if Unrivaled survives this new contract in the W. I have no doubt that the ownership in the W hope the new contract kills the 3x3 league.

Congrats to the ladies!!!

Without seeing all the details, it appears they finally secured meaningful revenue sharing, and about a 600% pay increase at the same time.

This is quite remarkable, and may be one of the best results ever in a pro sports negotiation. (of course off low base)

Unrivaled probably continues since it does not require full WNBA roster of players, creates pipeline for Olympic 3on3, and is popular with players.

Over time, however, if WNBA pay continues to rise along with other sponsorship, all off season play may end as rest and health become more important than extra pay.

The real way to kill off conflict for WNBA would be to just move the league to basketball season. 😁

 

[Dugway]

I am sure glad that the agreement negotiations are over!

Seems to be in just the nick of time; realistically, this is probably the reason it is now done. I think it would have been great to be a fly on the wall during that last session when they overcame their impasses with the previous proposals and counterproposals. Wonder what changed at that last moment?

Anyway, now onto the two team expansion draft ... who are teams going to protect and whom will be available to be transferred away will be fun to see!

And, of course, given that the majority of the players are all free agents, who will elect to resign with their previous teams and who will enter the WNBA Portal will certainly be fun .... and of course, Azzi. Will she be the first choice and join Paige in Dallas????