Breanna Stewart, a standout forward for the New York Liberty and vice president of the WNBA players’ union, is not just dreaming of a million-dollar salary for WNBA players; she’s actively working to make it a reality. Currently, the highest salary a player can command hovers around $250,000. Given the increasing popularity and profitability of the league, Stewart believes it’s high time that players earn salaries that better reflect their contributions and the league’s soaring success.
As Stewart expressed during an interview reported by Doug Feinberg of the Associated Press, “I think that making sure the salary cap continues to grow and correlates with the TV deal.” This sentiment underscores the frustrating reality many athletes face; despite the league’s significant strides forward, their salaries have not seen a proportional increase.
It’s not just about having lofty goals; Stewart gets that these negotiations are complex. “I don’t know how you break that down,” she admitted, acknowledging the intricate balance that must be struck between player demands and the league’s financial structure. With record increases in viewership and attendance, coupled with an impressive new 11-year, $200 million-a-year media rights deal, players are eager to claim a larger slice of the pie.
Being directly involved in union discussions, Stewart recognizes that negotiating better salaries isn’t the only priority on the list. “Securing better salaries, improved pensions, and enhanced childcare benefits are critical,” she emphasizes, showing that the fight is about much more than just taking home a check. The benefits that players receive after their playing days are just as important as their current salaries, especially considering that many women in the league find themselves balancing motherhood with their careers.
For instance, she raises concerns about the current eight-year requirement before a player qualifies for pension benefits. It’s a staggering length of time that not all athletes will meet, as many don’t have the opportunity to play that long in such a competitive environment. As she delicately put it, “Eight years of service is a really long time. Not many players are in the league for eight years.” This gap in benefits only amplifies the need for change.
In light of Stewart’s passionate advocacy for her fellow players, it’s comforting to know that the WNBA’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, seems optimistic about the league’s trajectory. During her state-of-the-league address prior to the WNBA Finals, she echoed the importance of listening to player concerns and the unique opportunity that current negotiations represent. Engelbert stated, “This is going to be an opportunity to listen to one another and take this league to the next level for generations to come.” Her words resonate with a hopeful vision of collaboration that could truly enhance the players’ experiences both on and off the court.
Engelbert also highlighted the strides already made, mentioning the establishment of a long-term economic model that includes perks like charter travel for players and substantial boosts in playoff bonuses. As she put it, “We will maintain this approach, and when we convene at the bargaining table, we will address the issues that carry the most importance for the players.”
However, the stakes are indeed high. With the players’ union considering the option to opt out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement by November 1, both the league and its athletes have a critical year ahead to hammer out a new deal. As fans, advocates, and players alike watch closely, there’s a shared understanding that the outcome of these negotiations could fundamentally change the WNBA landscape for years to come.
In a league that has grown in leaps and bounds, Breanna Stewart shines a light on vital issues that are too often overlooked, urging a conversation not only about better salaries but also fairer treatment and benefits for all who dedicate their lives to this game. Her passion and commitment ensure that this narrative isn’t just about contracts; it’s about valuing the women who continue to elevate the game with every dribble and every shot.
