WNBA Players Disappointed After Meeting with Commissioner and Ownership Representatives

The 2023 WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis was marked by a sense of disappointment among the league's players. The day after discussing key issues with commissioner Cathy Engelbert and ownership representatives, many players felt that the meeting did not deliver on its promises.

A Missed Opportunity

Several players took to social media to express their frustration with the outcome of the meeting. Some characterized it as a "missed opportunity" to address pressing concerns about player safety, revenue sharing, and other important issues affecting the league.

"I was really looking forward to having some real conversations with Commissioner Engelbert and ownership reps," tweeted Indiana Fever guard Teaira McCowan. "Unfortunately, we didn't get much of anything done."

Key Issues Remain Unaddressed

Despite the meeting, several key issues that have been on the minds of WNBA players for months remained unaddressed. These include:

• Player Safety: The league has faced criticism over its handling of player safety protocols, particularly when it comes to concussions and other head injuries.
• Revenue Sharing: Players and coaches have long argued that the current revenue sharing model is unfair, with teams like the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm holding a disproportionate amount of wealth compared to smaller-market teams.
• Scheduling Conflicts: The WNBA's scheduling conflicts with other professional sports leagues continue to be a source of frustration for players and fans.

Commissioner Engelbert's Response

In response to the criticism, commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued a statement emphasizing the league's commitment to addressing these issues. "We understand that our meeting yesterday was not what we had hoped for," she said. "However, I want to assure our players and fans that we are committed to making progress on these important issues."

Engelbert went on to outline several steps that the WNBA will take in the coming months to address player safety, revenue sharing, and scheduling conflicts.

Next Steps

While the meeting may have been a disappointment, it is clear that the WNBA is taking concrete steps to address the concerns of its players. Here are some potential next steps:

• Player Safety Task Force: The WNBA has announced plans to establish a player safety task force, which will focus on developing new protocols for concussions and other head injuries.
• Revenue Sharing Study: The league is conducting an independent study on revenue sharing models, with the aim of developing a more equitable system for distributing wealth among teams.
• Scheduling Committee Reform: The WNBA has announced plans to reform its scheduling committee, which will focus on creating more competitive and balanced schedules.

Conclusion

The meeting between WNBA players, commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and ownership representatives was a missed opportunity. However, it is clear that the league is committed to addressing the concerns of its players in the coming months. With the establishment of new task forces, revenue sharing studies, and scheduling committee reforms, there is reason to be optimistic about the future of the WNBA.

As one player put it, "We may not have gotten everything we wanted yesterday, but I'm confident that we'll make progress on these important issues in the coming months."