The last month and a half has been interesting if you are into professional labor contract negotiations. The WNBA and the WNBPA players’ union are negotiating their upcoming Collective Bargaining Agreement. The WNBA has agreed to give the players a clear revenue split, though both sides remain far apart.
But there are still other things that WNBA players get to do that NBA players can’t (or don’t). Some of you have noted that WNBA players may be overplaying their hands with these negotiations because of the uncertainty of future revenue increases. However, many WNBA players, including superstars, play in other leagues during the winter. Some players are on European, Australian or Chinese teams. Others are in American-based leagues where the players also have an ownership interest. NBA players, on the other hand, play exclusively to the NBA. The WNBA is looking to have players be exclusive to the league as well.
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So, I have an open question for you all. Should NBA players be allowed to play for other leagues (NOT international teams) in the summer offseason, including those in which they have an ownership interest? I don’t expect to see NBA players in European leagues, but I could see players in a 3X3 startup, among other things. NBA players are also often in pro-am leagues. Still, let me know your thoughts on this one.
