The WNBA Players Association has terminated its contract with the WNBA. The players want to secure a better deal after the dynamic 2024 season, which saw record attendance and viewership.

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WASHINGTON — The WNBA players union has backed out of its collective bargaining agreement, a historic move aimed at securing higher salaries for players in a record year for women's basketball.

Dramatic gains in viewership and ratings have taken the WNBA to new heights in 2024, from the introduction of a star-studded rookie class to last week's five-game Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx, which averaged more attracted more than a million spectators.

The league has launched an ambitious expansion plan to build on this year's success. A 13th team is scheduled to debut next season, followed by two more in 2026. A new media rights agreement struck this summer has multiplied the league's TV revenue for years to come.

But salaries don't yet reflect that success, union leaders say. The current union agreement calls for a rookie minimum salary of $64,154 and a veteran super maximum of $241,984. Many players spend the WNBA offseason playing in international leagues to supplement their income.

“If we stick with the current agreement, we will fall behind,” said Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA and a nine-time All-Star.

“Exit isn't just about bigger paychecks – it's about demanding our rightful share in the business we've built, improving working conditions and securing a future where the success we create delivers to today's players and players will benefit future generations,” she said in a press release announcing the decision.

The opt-out allows the current agreement to remain in effect through the 2025 season. If the league and players fail to reach a new contract within a year, a work stoppage could begin after the end of next year's season.

Jonquel Jones #35 of the New York Liberty and Kayla McBride #21 of the Minnesota Lynx kick off Game 5 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday. The Liberty defeated Minnesota in overtime to win the championship. Now the league's players' association has terminated her contract in order to secure higher salaries.

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“With the historic 2024 WNBA season now in the books, we look forward to working with the players and the WNBPA on a new CBA that is fair for everyone and lays the foundation for growth and success in the years to come “said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a short statement.

The union said it would also seek improvements in other benefits, including “minimum professional standards” for team facilities and travel, an expansion of the league's retirement plan and greater family planning support.

“We recognize the true value of players and no longer want to be put in the position of having to choose between better pay and other improvements such as travel or facilities,” said Satou Sabally, a Dallas Wings forward who serves as an assistant coach functions. Chairman of the union's CBA committee.

The 2024 season was the first year the league offered charter trips to most teams.

The WNBA's media rights deal is negotiated as a package with the NBA. In total, the 11-year agreement reached in July is worth $76 billion. Of that, 3% – or about $200 million per year – is reserved for the WNBA. The rights deal allows for that percentage to be reviewed in three years if the WNBA's popularity continues to grow.