LeBron James: WNBA’s new CBA ‘a big step’ for the league
LeBron James has long been a vocal supporter of the WNBA, and the Los Angeles Lakers superstar has been left encouraged by the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, calling it “a big step” for the league.
The WNBA on Tuesday announced a tentative agreement with the WNBPA on an eight-year CBA, which the league heralded as “groundbreaking.”
A historic day in the WNBA!
— WNBA (@WNBA) January 14, 2020
The #WNBA and @TheWNBPA announce groundbreaking Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Full release https://t.co/clzau51qfa
Among the agreed-upon terms are the following enhancements, as laid out by the WNBA:
– Significant Increases to Player Cash Compensation and Benefits –
– Cash Compensation Triples to More Than Half a Million Dollars for Top Players –
– Enhanced Travel Standards; Expanded Career Development Opportunities; New Child Care, Maternity and Progressive Family Planning Benefits –
– League Launches ‘WNBA Changemakers’ Partnership Platform to Enhance Player Experience and Drive Business Transformation
When asked Wednesday about the developments, James gave his nod of approval.
LeBron James with a nod to the WNBA for its new CBA pic.twitter.com/PNwdlspZ34
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) January 15, 2020
“It’s a big step in their league,” James said. “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.”
The new CBA is without question a significant achievement for the WNBA and the league’s players, and it sets up the league to make even more progress. While much work is left to be done, James is correct about it being a big step for arguably the top women’s league in professional sports.
