The WNBA is facing a potential lockout as the league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have yet to reach an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). With the original deadline of October 31 approaching, seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry has weighed in on the situation, advising WNBA star Caitlin Clark on how to navigate a potential work stoppage.
Horry, speaking on the “Big Shot Bob” podcast, cited Michael Jordan’s example from 1992, when Jordan opted out of the NBPA’s shared licensing agreement to retain control over his name, image, and likeness. Horry suggested that Clark, one of the biggest stars in the WNBA, could consider a similar move to protect her financial interests amid the uncertainty in CBA negotiations.
By doing so, Clark would be able to maintain control over her image and likeness, potentially securing her financial future even in the event of a lockout. Horry warned, however, that a lockout could have negative consequences for the league, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The arrival of stars like Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers has contributed to increased viewership and attendance, and a lockout could jeopardize this momentum.
Horry cautioned that fans can be “fickle” and that a lockout could lead to a loss of interest in the league. The WNBA has made significant strides in recent years, and a work stoppage could undermine this progress. As the deadline for a new CBA approaches, the league and the WNBPA must work to reach an agreement that benefits both parties and avoids a potentially damaging lockout.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by professional sports leagues in balancing the interests of owners and players. The WNBA’s growth and popularity have created new opportunities for players like Clark, but the league must also ensure that it can sustain this growth and provide a stable financial foundation for its players. As the negotiations continue, the outcome will have significant implications for the future of the WNBA and its players.
