University Archives

As the Women's National Basketball Association ("WNBA") experiences unprecedented growth in popularity and investment, the legal framework governing labor relations between the league and its players has not evolved at the same pace. This project examines the power imbalance present in collective bargaining negotiations between the WNBA and the Women's National Basketball Players Association ("WNBPA"). It argues that the league holds significantly greater bargaining power and that the legal tools currently available to players under traditional labor law do not adequately remedy this disparity. 

This project analyzes the statutory and case law governing collective bargaining agreements and compares the 2024 WNBA collective bargaining agreement to those of other professional women's sports leagues. Through this comparison, the project identifies structural limitations that constrain the effectiveness of existing negotiation strategies. The project ultimately proposes a reform that would allow for limited judicial review in disputes where the National Labor Relations Board's processes are insufficient to protect workers who are part of marginalized or underrepresented labor groups. This approach aims to promote more equitable collective bargaining outcomes while supporting the continued growth of women's professional sports.