The WNBA and the WNBPA reached a four-year CBA
yesterday, which includes a re-opener after three years.
NBPA Dir of Operations Pam Wheeler said that the new deal
"includes most of the basic terms" of the initial agreement
tentatively reached two weeks ago (See THE DAILY, 4/15)
(WASHINGTON POST, 4/30). In Salt Lake City, Lya Wodraska
writes that both sides agreed to "no-lockout, no-strike
clauses" (SALT LAKE TRIBUNE, 4/30). In N.Y., Frank Litsky
writes that the WNBA and players' union agreed on holding
"one or two" nonprofit events using the league logo. The
players were asking for five and the league "wanted a
maximum" of one. Also, former ABLers "will be paid as
rookies this year only," and will not have to "sign options
for the future." Player approval of the deal is "expected"
by tomorrow (N.Y. TIMES, 4/30). In Phoenix, Jeff Metcalfe
adds that the group licensing agreement "was extended to a
fifth year," with players now receiving 50% of royalties
from the sale of player-identified merchandise in years 3-5
(ARIZONA REPUBLIC, 4/30). WNBA President Val Ackerman, on
what makes this CBA different from the earlier tentative
deal weeks ago: "It's signed" (BOSTON GLOBE, 4/30).