Caitlin Clark is set to play in the qualifying squad of Team USA for the FIBA Women’s World Cup scheduled in September at San Juan, Puerto Rico. The media and broadcasting rights of the tournament have been granted to TNT Sports in the US, and Clark recently addressed that in her statement.
The 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year will be part of the squad along with Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, in a highly anticipated team-up. TNT Sports has recognized the value in this, and the Indiana Fever guard reinstated that. She said:
“Obviously I’m super excited…there’s certainly a demand for it, that’s why TNT is doing it…as a kid, sometime you’d struggle to get your hands on it…making this more accessible to our fans…people are really craving this product.”
Clark’s statement seemed like a subtle message to the league that is in ongoing negotiations with the WNBPA, the players’ association. While some players have even criticized the association’s approach to present the players’ demands, they have continued to negotiate with the WNBA for better revenue deals.
Moreover, the WNBPA conducted a survey on the mood of the majority of WNBA players. It revealed that more than 80% of the players were in line with the association and its counteroffers.
Besides Caitlin Clark, approximately 84% WNBA players support WNBPA’s negotiations
WNBPA surveyed WNBA players about the current proposal and found that most of them did not want to accept the latest offer. It highlighted that 84% of those who responded did not want to accept the 50% revenue share terms and expected a better cut.
The association has sent a counteroffer of 26% of gross revenue share every year of the deal, but the league has yet to respond. Vice President of WNBPA, Breanna Stewart, and the first VP, Kelsey Plum, have even warned the league of a strike.
The tussle continues amid the league’s growth in viewership, which has impacted its growth massively. Only time will tell what the players will get out of that growth spurt and the coming boom in the women’s league.
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