Sports360AZ
Story by Andres Acuna
Tuesday marked one of the most impactful days that the WNBA has ever seen. A new eight-year collective-bargaining agreement was agreed upon between the WNBA and the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association).
This deal will establish a new average salary of almost $130,000. Top players such as Diana Taurasi and Sue Bird will be able to earn over $500,000 of base salary.
I am so happy for ever single player in the @WNBA and ever young girl on her way! This is such a blessing! I’m just happy to witness it! Congrats to all who helped fight the good fight! #Groundbreaking https://t.co/7LGNGHoYg4
— Lisa Leslie (@LisaLeslie) January 14, 2020
Perhaps one of the biggest improvements in this agreement is that all players are eligible to collect their full salary during maternity leave. Along with this new addition, there is a possible $5,000 stipend that is titled ‘an annual child care stipend’.
Phoenix Mercury guard Sophie Cunningham expressed her excitement about the new bargaining agreement on Twitter, stating: “I have so many big dreams that I still want to achieve and y’all have no idea how huge this if for females in sport.”
The Phoenix Mercury also shared their thoughts on the new agreement, calling it ‘groundbreaking’ on their official Twitter page.
Additional benefits included in the agreement are that all players will receive premium economy class status for all air-travel during the season, and individual hotel rooms for players.
