Pop the champagne and let the celebration begin as the negotiation between the league and player’s association is over. The conversation on the new deal that has gone on for six and half months was finally amended.
From ending the current contract in October to the meetings in New York for a new agreement, the WNBA season can officially start. The WNBA and Player’s Association settled on finalizing a deal for the new CBA by March 10 so the season’s schedule would not be impacted.
Once the day approached, both sides were not clear with the information and needed a couple more days to work on it. As the days went by more progress was starting to be made and the deal was eventually going to be complete.
The craziest part is a small group of journalists stakeout during the marathon because they wanted to be there when the agreement was settled. These people must be insane for doing this but cared about being a part of this important event.
After 100 hours of CBA talks, both sides agreed on the new deal and the upcoming season will not be delayed. The latest Collective Bargain Agreement includes a new salary cap starting $7 million up from $1.5 million and average revenue share of nearly 20 percent across deals. I like that the WNBA is increasing more value into the players’ contracts who have dedicated their time playing in this league.
The players who have been preaching on being paid more since last year’s all-star game about money they deserve. Fans can now get excited for this upcoming season that is expected to be a special one. The agreement of the contract means the WNBA can get back to offseason work.
Starting April, the expansion draft between the league’s newest franchises Toronto Tempo and the return of the Portland Fire can select players for the roster. I know Toronto or Portland plans to steal several players that were x-factors for teams last season and make the playoffs in the inaugural season.
After the expansion draft, free agency will begin with core designation and signing period from the 7th to the 18th. I think there is going to be a lot of movement in the league since most of the players are unrestricted free agents and some teams could get lucky. I predict that at least several veteran players will switch teams and help a franchise improve from last season.
While free agency is happening, the college draft will take place on April 15 where we could see prospects play with or against their favorite athletes. I’m pretty sure that Azzi Fudd is going number one because nobody wants to see her play against her former college teammate Paige Bueckers. If Dallas feels guard heavy from the offseason, they should go after Spain’s Awa Fam or even steal Lauren Betts for some height in the backcourt.
Four days after the draft, the season rushes into training camp which will once again be the most competitive time in the season. I hate that young players participating in this camp will have less opportunities of making the final roster.
The league is expanding but a roster filled with twelve players is not enough for every person to live their dream. The players association should have talked about adding a developmental league for the cut players to stay in the United States with provided housing and avoid going overseas.
I cannot wait for the season to tip off in a couple of months that is going to be better than last season. I’m looking forward to the old and new rivals between every team and the debut of the new coaches.
