With the WNBA’s immediate future in peril due to contentious CBA discussions that have missed several deadlines to date and left both sides at a stand-off for months, there may be light at the end of the tunnel. This, according to New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart, is on her new podcast.
Breanna Stewart Provides Encouraging Update On CBA And Ending Stand-Off With League
On the latest podcast featuring two current basketball stars, Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks and Stewart, aim to bring inside knowledge of both the NBA and the WNBA on the “Game Recognize Game with Stewie & Myles” podcast. Stewart has an encouraging update on the chances of a CBA agreement ahead of the new WNBA season.
Although she was unable to provide exact details as yet, the league has sent a new proposal to the players’ association. Stewart seemed optimistic when asked about an update on the long-protracted CBA discussions on her podcast with Turner.
“We just got a new proposal, latest proposal. Um we haven’t had a response back since our proposal like on Christmas so this was a long time coming. Before I can get into any details about that, which I don’t think I can get into any details, we had a call that was, I think, very important and very positive.”
Stewart mentioned one important aspect during their call with the league: A demand for minimum standards for all teams. For instance, a chef, a massage therapist on the road, and improved practice facility standards for all teams.
She also emphasised her excitement about the league heading into a revenue-sharing model, which would benefit not only the players but the league as a whole.
According to ESPN, on February 6, the latest revised proposal included concessions on housing and facility standards, but did not include a significant change in revenue sharing.
Turner asked if Stewart was feeling better about the possibility of reaching an agreement in time for the WNBA season. “I’m feeling better. I’m feeling like the owners are finally really acknowledging and being receptive of what we want. The players, as well, we all had to kind of put our business hats on and get into that mindset.”
Turner then said, “I’m hoping we can get this thing done quickly, so then we’re so then we’re not late [on the season’s start]. That’s the thing I’ve been telling them: Now that we’re part of a revenue-sharing model, if you miss games, it’s just less money. That’s not to say that we should submit and just say yes to any proposal that we don’t like. But this is a business now, and this is how businesses go.”
There are still three months until the new league season begins, so there is hope they can reach an agreement without a player strike. According to Stewart, there is “traction” on a possible agreement.
