The WNBA labor dispute – What companies can learn from collective bargaining in sports

The New York Liberty’s victory over the Minnesota Lynx in a dramatic overtime game and securing their first WNBA championship marked the end of an exciting season. But as the players celebrate, a new challenge has emerged: The WNBA Players Association has pulled out of its current collective bargaining agreement, two years before it expires. This move signals a possible work stoppage if the players and league cannot negotiate a new agreement by the end of the 2025 season.

Why collective bargaining is important in business

At its core, a collective agreement is about striking a balance between the interests of the employer and the rights of the employees. In the WNBA, players are demanding a CBA that reflects the league’s success, with higher salaries, better working conditions and greater participation in the league’s financial growth. This reflects the challenges faced by many companies where employees seek fair compensation and better conditions as their company grows.

The WNBA’s decision to move to charter-only travel this season and its expansion plans – adding three new teams by 2026 – underscore the rapid growth the league is experiencing. When companies expand, employees often expect to share in that success, and in this case, WNBA players are pushing for a business model that reflects their contribution to the league’s increased revenue.

What employers can learn

For companies, the WNBA’s CBA process provides valuable insight into negotiations, transparency and the need to align employee compensation with business performance.

There are three important lessons business leaders can learn from the WNBA’s CBA process:

1. Revenue sharing: As WNBA players demand a share of the league’s growing revenue, companies can equally benefit from profit shares or bonuses. This encourages loyalty and helps retain top talent by ensuring employees see the benefits of company success.
2. Work-life balance: The push by stakeholders for improved child care and family planning highlights the growing need in all sectors for measures that support the balance between work and private life. Companies that invest in flexible work arrangements or family benefits are likely to see higher morale and productivity.
3. Justice in growth: As the WNBPA advocates for a new economic model that goes beyond arbitrary caps and restrictions, companies should consider how they can create more transparent and equitable compensation and career development systems, eliminate pay disparities, and create opportunities for growth.

Let’s summarize it

As WNBA players prepare for difficult negotiations, their situation is a reminder that collective bargaining is a powerful tool for shaping the future of employees and companies. The lessons learned from this high-profile labor dispute can help companies build better relationships with their own employees and ensure long-term success. Whether through profit sharing, improved working conditions or fairer business models, companies that listen to their employees and respond to their needs are better positioned for growth and stability.