The WNBA sent a proposed collective bargaining agreement to the union a day after the league received one from players, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Sunday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
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The league’s response to a union proposal on Friday comes days before a Tuesday deadline set by the league, which said it would need at least a handshake agreement with the union to start the season on time.
It’s unclear what changes the league and union made in their latest proposal. Revenue sharing is the main sticking point between the parties.
The union’s previous proposal for a week had requested an average of 26% of gross revenues – income before expenses – during the CBA. This would include only 25% in the first year of the new deal. The league said that figure was unrealistic.
The WNBA’s latest proposals have offered more than 70% of net revenue, with that figure increasing as the league continues to grow.
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Caitlin Clark said Saturday during USA Basketball training camp that the two sides should stop sending proposals and instead meet face to face until a deal is reached.
“I don’t understand why we don’t walk into a room and sort things out and shake hands,” she said. “That’s how business works. We look each other in the eye, we shake hands, we respect both sides. For me, that’s what I’d like to see.”
Union Vice President Breanna Stewart agreed with Clark’s idea.
“I think it would be great for all of us to just sit in a room until we’re really done,” the New York Liberty star said. “If it means sitting there for hours and hours, let’s do it. It’s for the best of the player. Even if a situation like this has never happened before, there’s a first time for everything.”
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Stewart will not return to Puerto Rico with Team USA to participate in the FIBA World Cup qualifying tournament next week. She said she would return home to New York and be available for in-person negotiations.
“We want to get the deal done. We want to have the season,” Stewart said. “We just need to find the right numbers that reflect it.”
If a labor agreement is reached by March 10, it will likely be signed by the end of the month. Under that schedule, the expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto would take place between April 1 and 6, according to a schedule obtained by the AP.
Qualifying offers for free agents, including franchise player tags, would be sent out on April 7 and 8. Teams would then have three days to negotiate with more than 80% of players who are free agents. The signing period would take place from April 12 to 18.
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Training camps would open the next day and the season could begin on May 8.
“I think it will be close. I hope we come to a resolution as soon as possible,” Stewart said. “But even if we do, it’s like these other things that need to happen need a moment. You shouldn’t have to rush the expansion draft or free agency.”
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