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Is the WNBA being undervalued in the new media deal, questions head of players' union
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    Is the WNBA being undervalued in the new media deal, questions head of players’ union

    PHOENIX — The executive director of the WNBA players’ union is concerned the league is being undervalued with the $2.2 billion over 11 years it will receive as part of the NBA’s recently approved media rights deals.

    “We have wondered for months how the NBA would value the WNBA in its media rights deal,” executive director of the union Terri Jackson said in a statement. “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.”

    The NBA’s Board of Governors approved that league’s next media rights deals with Disney, NBC and Amazon Prime Video at its meeting Tuesday, moving the league one giant step closer to finalizing the 11-year agreements that will be worth about $76 billion.

    “We look forward to learning how the NBA arrived at a $200 million valuation — if initial reports are accurate or even close. Neither the NBA nor the WNBA can deny that in the last few years, we have seen unprecedented growth across all metrics, the players continue to demonstrate their commitment to building the brand, and that the fans keep showing up. There is no excuse to undervalue the WNBA again.”

    A person familiar with the deal confirmed to The Associated Press that the WNBA would receive about $200 million a year. The person spoke on condition of anonymity on Wednesday night because no official announcement has been made.

    The deal was first reported by The Athletic.

    The WNBA’s current media deal, which is valued at about $60 million per year, is set to expire after the 2025 season. The NBA, which owns about 60% of the WNBA has negotiated the new deals.

    WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert had said before the season that she hoped to at least double the league’s annual rights revenue since the league has grown the last few years. This would more than triple it.

    The WNBA players are expected to opt out of the current collective bargaining agreement after this season which would end that deal after next year.

    New deal impact

    The new revenue could greatly increase player salaries which has been an issue for many years. Since the league was founded in 1997 players have gone overseas to supplement their incomes. The top base salary this year is $242,000 with players potentially earning over half a million through salary, marketing agreements and bonuses. Right now Caitlin Clark makes $76,000 as the No. 1 pick in the draft.

    League’s growth

    Jackson feels the league could be undervalued with its popularity being at an all-time high. The WNBA has had strong growth the past few seasons, but really took off this year led by rookies Clark and Angel Reese. The WNBA has had record attendance and viewership this year heading into the Olympic break.

    WNBA ahead on streaming

    The new NBA TV rights deal will put games on Amazon Prime for the first time. The WNBA has had games on Amazon Prime since 2021, including the annual Commissioner’s Cup championship. The league is showing 21 games this season on the streaming service.

    Other media revenue

    The league currently has deals to broadcast games on CBS and the ION network as well on ESPN and Amazon. The CBS and ION deals could be renewed after they expire which would add more money to the overall media deal package. The ION deal is worth $13 million a year and is scheduled to end after next season.

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    The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has been making headlines recently, but not necessarily for the right reasons. The league’s players’ union head has raised concerns about the WNBA being undervalued in the new media deal, sparking a debate about the league’s worth and potential for growth.

    The WNBA has been a staple in women’s sports since its inception in 1996, providing a platform for talented female athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. However, despite the league’s success on the court, it has struggled to gain the same level of recognition and support as its male counterpart, the NBA.

    One of the main issues facing the WNBA is its lack of exposure in the media. While the NBA has lucrative television deals with major networks like ESPN and TNT, the WNBA has struggled to secure similar partnerships. This has led to lower viewership numbers and less overall interest in the league, which in turn affects sponsorship deals and revenue opportunities.

    The recent media deal between the WNBA and CBS Sports has raised eyebrows among players and fans alike. While the partnership is a step in the right direction for the league, some believe that the WNBA is not being valued appropriately in the deal. The head of the players’ union has expressed concerns that the league is not receiving fair compensation for its broadcast rights, especially when compared to other professional sports leagues.

    In a statement, the players’ union head emphasized the importance of fair compensation for the players and highlighted the need for increased investment in the WNBA to help it reach its full potential. The statement has sparked a larger conversation about gender equality in sports and the value of women’s athletics in the media landscape.

    Despite these challenges, there is hope for the future of the WNBA. The league has seen an increase in attendance and viewership in recent years, thanks in part to star players like Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart. Additionally, the WNBA’s partnership with Nike has helped raise its profile and attract new fans.

    As the debate over the WNBA’s value continues, it is clear that there is a growing demand for women’s sports and a desire to see female athletes receive the recognition they deserve. With continued support from fans, sponsors, and media partners, the WNBA has the potential to thrive and become a powerhouse in women’s sports for years to come.