WNBA players opt out of collective bargaining agreement

The WNBPA issued a statement this morning:

The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) announced today, the decision to exercise their option to terminate the current Collective Bargaining Agreement, as provided in Article XXXVIII, TERM OF AGREEMENT, Section 1, Expiration Date. As such, the Agreement will terminate on October 31, 2019, or if later, the day following the final playoff game of the 2019 season. The 2019 season will proceed as scheduled.

The WNBA's statement on the decision:

“We were informed today that the Women’s National Basketball Players Association has opted out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement following the 2019 season. The league and its teams are committed to an open and good-faith negotiation that is rooted in the financial realities of our business. We are getting to work immediately and are confident such a process can lead to a fair deal for all involved.”

WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike on the decision:

In opting out of this CBA, our primary objective is full transparency. We just want information about where the league is as a business, so that we can come together and make sound decisions for the future of the game.