Women’s basketball legend Cheryl Miller has voiced her dissatisfaction with the WNBA’s recently signed media rights deal.
Last week, it was reported that the WNBA secured a historic $2.2 billion media rights agreement that will span 11 years. This deal, negotiated by the NBA, marks a significant increase from the WNBA’s current $60 million per year deal.
According to The Athletic, the WNBA’s new national media rights package is set to bring in approximately $2.2 billion over the next 11 years, averaging $200 million annually. The deal also includes potential for additional earnings over that period. This agreement comes on the heels of the NBA’s own negotiations, which resulted in a massive $75 billion, 11-year contract with Disney, NBC, and Amazon. These companies will also be handling the WNBA’s media rights, with ESPN, NBC, and Amazon each having their own WNBA packages.
Despite the apparent success of this deal, the WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) has criticized the agreement, arguing that it undervalues the league in the long term. In a statement, the WNBPA expressed their concerns:
“We have wondered for months how the NBA would value the WNBA in its media rights deal. With a reportedly $75 billion deal on the table, the league is in control of its own destiny. More precisely, the NBA controls the destiny of the WNBA. We look forward to learning how the NBA arrived at a $200 million valuation—if initial reports are accurate or even close. Neither the NBA nor the WNBA can deny that in the last few years, we have seen unprecedented growth across all metrics, the players continue to demonstrate their commitment to building the brand, and the fans keep showing up. There is no excuse to undervalue the WNBA again.”
Cheryl Miller, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, echoed the WNBPA’s sentiment, describing the deal as a “lowball” offer. Speaking to reporters in Phoenix, Miller remarked, “I’m not great with numbers, but that’s a lowball. We need tough and fair negotiators and visionaries. And we need a bully behind the table who’s willing to say we’ll break up the pieces and go from there. But there’s a certain number bigger than 2 that we want.”
Miller’s comments highlight a broader concern among players and supporters who feel the WNBA deserves more substantial recognition and financial commitment. They argue that given the league’s recent growth in popularity and fan engagement, the valuation of the media rights should reflect that upward trajectory.
As the WNBA continues to expand its reach and influence, the negotiation and valuation of its media rights remain critical factors in ensuring the league’s sustainable growth and success. The debate over the fairness of the recent deal underscores the ongoing struggle for greater equity and investment in women’s sports.
