The "disappointing season" of the Mystics' Nikki McCray
"only highlights the inequities of the WNBA's Third World
pay structure," according to Ken Wright of the WASHINGTON
TIMES. It is "a world of a few haves and an oppressed
majority of have nots." McCray signed a three-year deal
that pays her $50,000 a year in base salary and "as much as
an additional $200,000 a year through a 'personal services
agreement.'" McCray is one of four WNBA players to receive
such a pact, joining Liberty F Rebecca Lobo, Sparks C Lisa
Leslie and Comets G Sheryl Swoopes. Mystics F Deborah
Carter: "Right now, there are people in the league getting
the money, but not putting up the numbers. There is nothing
we can do about that." Wright adds that the league's "two
best players," the Comets' Cynthia Cooper and the Mercury's
Jennifer Gillom, are "hardly compensated on the basis of
their contributions." WNBA President Val Ackerman and Dir
of Player Personnel Rene Brown determine who receives the
personal services agreements. Wright: "Most veteran
players, like Cooper and Gillom, have little cachet with the
WNBA. ... Of course, the WNBA players have an option, the
ABL." Wright notes that last week, close to 100 players
asked the NBPA to help them unionize in a bid for increased
salaries/benefits (WASHINGTON TIMES, 8/12).
NBPA RIGHT AVENUE? In N.Y., Jonathan Mayo wonders how
"beneficial" can a women's union led by NBPA Exec Dir Billy
Hunter be "considering the current battle" between NBA
players and management. While "most of the [WNBA] seemingly
supports the NBPA, not everyone is thrilled with the idea of
letting that organization speak for the WNBA's players."
Liberty F Sue Wicks, who didn't sign a union card: "They
have their own agenda. They're trying to tell players
what's important." But Liberty C Kym Hampton said they've
"been told" the current CBA negotiations between the NBPA
and management "won't affect us" (N.Y. POST, 8/12).
UNION LEADER? In Detroit, Ted Kulfan writes, "There has
been a lot of talk that Shock forward Lynette Woodard will
head the WNBA players' association next season." Woodard
said, "That's just the rumor mill talking," and added that
she intends to play another season (DETROIT NEWS, 8/12).
