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Good Morning ☀️
Keep an eye on your inbox later today for a sneak peek at Part One of our WNBA-inspired holiday collection.
What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today
1. CBA Breakdown: What’s at Stake in the Negotiations 🤝
The current WNBA collective bargaining agreement expires October 31, and the league and players are far apart on key issues. Players are primarily pushing for two changes:
Higher salaries, including a potential new max approaching $1 million, and
A true revenue-sharing system similar to the NBA’s. Under the NBA model, players receive about 50% of basketball-related income. The WNBA’s current deal provides, on average, 9.3% percent of league revenue to players.
The league claims, however, that it operates at a loss and can’t give WNBA players the same deal. As a private entity, the league hasn’t released its financial statements. (The Athletic)
WHY IT MATTERS: If a deal isn’t reached, the league could face a work stoppage just as its popularity and expansion plans are soaring. Two sides need to reach a deal that ensures the continued growth and sustainability of the league, while recognizing player value.
A lockout would hurt everyone, halting momentum, disrupting offseason marketing, and delaying the 2026 season. Lockouts in other leagues have historically had long-term negative impacts on fan engagement. With WNBA player visibility and fanship at all-time highs, the outcome of these talks will have substantive impact on the league’s trajectory for the next decade.
🗳️ Should WNBA players get a 50/50 revenue split like NBA players do?
2. Why the WNBA Finals are Best-of-7 This Year 📈
For the first time ever, the WNBA Finals is decided in a best-of-seven series. It’s a major difference for the league, and a sign of how much fan demand and visibility have grown. (CBS Sports)
Here’s how the Finals have evolved over time:
1997: One-game championship
1998-2004: Best-of-three series
2005-2024: Best-of-five series
2025: Best-of-seven
WHY IT MATTERS: This new expanded format mirrors the NBA’s and gives the league’s biggest stage more drama, strategy, and national exposure. It’s also a sign of confidence that fans will tune in for every game of a full-length championship series.
A longer series also means more room for teams to fight their way back. The Aces are currently up 2-0 on the Mercury, but Phoenix now heads home with a real chance to shift the momentum instead of facing elimination.
3. Nike Signs Oklahoma Freshman Aaliyah Chavez 👟
Aaliyah Chavez, the nation’s top freshman at Oklahoma, just signed a multi-year deal with Nike, before playing a single college game. (Nike)
WHY IT MATTERS: Major brands like Nike are investing in players earlier than ever. Chavez’s marketability and huge social following show how young stars are shaping the culture and future of women’s basketball.
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Style Points: Usher rocked A’ja Wilsons’ A’Ones at Game 2 of the Finals, proof her signature line is reaching beyond the court.
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