Basketball-WNBA reaches tentative 8-year labor deal with players
ByReuters
Published 14/01/2020 at 15:06 GMT
Jan 14 (Reuters) - The Women's National Basketball Association and its players' union on Tuesday said they reached a tentative eight-year labor deal that for the first time will see the average annual compensation for players hit six figures.
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The agreement, which commences with the 2020 season and runs through 2027, will see players earn an average of $130,000 and allow women to collect a full salary while on maternity leave.
Under the new agreement, which runs through 2027, the WNBA's top players will be able to earn more than $500,000, which more than triples the existing maximum compensation.
Under the new deal, players with children will be provided with two-bedroom apartments as well as comfortable, safe and private place at work for nursing.
The deal even includes improvements to travel, which means players will receive premium economy airline tickets and individual hotel rooms for road games.
The WNBA will also work with affiliated leagues, teams and sponsors to provide off-season job opportunities designed to prepare players for their post-playing careers, and will advance diversity in coaching initiatives for veteran players.
"I am pleased that this agreement guarantees substantial increases in compensation and progressive benefits for the women of the WNBA," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. (Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
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