WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier are set to launch a new women’s 3-on-3 basketball league called Unrivaled in January 2025. This move has highlighted the difference in contracts between WNBA and NBA players. WNBA players negotiate their contracts through the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), while NBA players do so via the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).
Both agreements have a Standard Player Contract that acknowledges the players’ unique and extraordinary skills that cannot be easily replaced. This provision was evident in a case involving NBA player Brian Shaw in 1990. The contracts also prohibit players from engaging in activities that may impair their basketball skills, such as extreme sports or other competitive team sports. However, the WNBA contract has a specific exemption that allows players to participate in basketball-related activities during the offseason without team permission.
This exemption has allowed WNBA players to play overseas during the offseason to supplement their WNBA salaries. Without this exemption, the new 3-on-3 league would not be possible. The popularity of the WNBA, which is growing steadily, may be partly attributed to this exemption as it allows players to explore other opportunities while also playing in the WNBA. The NBA, on the other hand, does not allow its players to participate in other basketball leagues.
If players like Caitlin Clark and others continue to enhance the popularity of the WNBA, the league may eventually decide to restrict players from participating in other leagues to protect the integrity of its product. For now, fans can look forward to another platform where women’s basketball players can showcase their skills and shine.
