WNBA Union Rep Slams NBA's Lack Of Transparency, Undervaluation In New Media Deal

The WNBA's growth over the last few years has been a treat to watch. While the 2024 rookies have played a role in this evolution, the women's game has been growing before their arrival. Still, the players still might feel that they are not being treated right.

This was apparent in the statement that WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson released about the WNBA's new media deal. In her statement, Jackson wanted to learn about how the NBA (who negotiated the new media deal for the WNBA) arrived at their $200 million evaluation.

"With a reportedly $75 billion deal on the table, the league is in control of its own destiny. More precisely, the NBA controls the destiny of the WNBA. We look forward to learning how the NBA arrived at a $200 million valuation—if initial reports are accurate or even close," Jackson said.

Jackson finished her statement strongly, saying that, "There is no excuse to undervalue the WNBA again.”

While a jump from $65 million to $200 million per year in media revenue is huge, the WNBPA is looking for more. Given how much the WNBA has grown (and will continue to grow), it's only fair for them to at least ask for transparency with that number.

It's also worth noting that the deal comes with a clause that allows the WNBA to opt out after three years to renegotiate provided they hit certain benchmarks. The WNBPA has the option to opt out of the current CBA in November to negotiate a new agreement with the league.