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The Women’s National Basketball Players Association
("WNBPA") was officially formed on November 6, 1998.
The Association is comprised of all WNBA players and is governed
by an Executive Committee and Player Representatives from
each WNBA team. As the first labor union comprised of professional
women athletes, the WNBPA enjoys a unique place in the history
of professional sports.
Besides creating the first union of its kind, the WNBPA ratified
the first-ever collective
bargaining agreement negotiated in women’s professional
sports on April 30, 1999. The inaugural CBA encompassed significant
advances for WNBA players, and represents for all women, an
important step toward pay equity and general equality. It
established a near seventy five percent (75%) minimum salary
increase for rookies and a one hundred percent (100%) minimum
salary increase for veterans over the prior year’s minimums.
It also provided for year-round health coverage, a retirement
plan, guaranteed contracts and a collective share of licensing
income. The inaugural CBA expired on September 15, 2002 and
the second CBA was ratified on April 25, 2003. This agreement
created a landmark system of free agency for WNBA players
and led to the return of player group licensing rights to
WNBA players.
The WNBPA is committed to protecting the rights of WNBA players
and advancing and safeguarding the economic and social welfare
of all WNBA players, both on and off the court. In order to
achieve these goals, the WNBPA offers a myriad of services
and support mechanisms to its members. Among these services
are:
CBA Negotiations
The WNBPA negotiates the terms of the CBA with the WNBA and
ensures that the WNBA and its teams meet their obligations
under the CBA. The CBA governs all aspects of the players’
employment.
Agent Certification
The WNBPA certifies, regulates and educates all persons interested
in representing WNBA players.
Player Programs
The WNBPA works alone, as well as in conjunction with management
to offer programs designed to advance the employment, social
and post-playing lives of WNBPA members. Such programs include
graduate school tuition reimbursement, career apprenticeships,
financial planning, emotional and mental health support, substance
abuse education and career management.
Legal Representation
The WNBPA advocates on behalf of its members. Our members
may call upon us to obtain expert legal advice and/or representation
in a dispute, file a grievance with management, appeal a fine
or suspension or help resolve player/agent disputes.
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