WNBA players union authorizes negotiators to call a strike if needed during CBA talks

"The players' decision is an unavoidable response to the state of negotiations with the WNBA and its teams, the union said in a statement. Time and again, the players' thoughtful and reasonable approach has been met by the WNBA and its teams with a resistance to change and a recommitment to the draconian provisions that have unfairly restricted players for nearly three decades."

"With 93% of players voting, 98% voted yes to authorize a strike if needed. The players' vote is neither a call for an immediate strike nor an intention to pursue one. Rather, it is an emphatic affirmation of the players' confidence in their leadership, the statement said. A strike could delay the WNBA expansion draft and the beginning of free agency that usually starts in late January. The season itself isn't expected to begin until late April or early May."

WNBA players authorized the union’s executive council to call a strike if necessary as collective bargaining talks with the league continue. Ninety-three percent of players voted and 98% of those voted yes to authorize strike action. The authorization is not an immediate strike but a tool for negotiators and an affirmation of confidence in leadership. Key bargaining issues include increased salaries and revenue sharing. The league proposed a max salary with a $1 million base and projected revenue-sharing pushing top earnings above $1.2 million by 2026. A strike could delay the expansion draft and the start of free agency.

Read at www.mercurynews.com