LeBron James gave his nod of approval after the WNBA and the WNBA Players Association hammered out a new eight-year collective bargaining agreement, one that will give players additional compensation and benefits for the ensuing seasons.
The Los Angeles Lakers star has been a big proponent of the WNBA game, its quality, and the worthiness of its athletes — always fully behind their hopes of closing the pay gap between their league and the NBA. LeBron is happy to see this for the WNBA:
“It's a big step in their league,” said James on Wednesday. “I'm happy for all the women that's part of their league, both on the floor and off, and I hope they continue their success.”
LeBron James with a nod to the WNBA for its new CBA pic.twitter.com/PNwdlspZ34
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 15, 2020
The new CBA nearly doubles the maximum payable contracts, though it leaves a certain gray area for non-star players hoping to make more compensation. WNBA stars had been adamant claiming they make more by playing overseas, but those unable to look for a professional basketball career outside of the United States aren't reaping the same financial benefits.
The new agreement also includes improvements in travel arrangements, a fully paid salary while on maternity leave, a substantial raise in cash prizes for individual accolades, as well as the 50-50 split in league revenue based on broadcast agreements, marketing partnerships, and licensing deals — set to kick in at the start of the 2021 season.
While the WNBA is still nowhere close to the millions NBA players make contractually, there are plenty of other improvements to make in upcoming CBA agreements. Yet this latest one, as James said, is a “big step” toward bridging the gap when it comes to equal pay and treatment of their athletes.
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