A WNBA scheduling shake-up could be on the horizon, potentially creating a collision course with the NCAA and a new international basketball venture, 'Project B'. This shift could significantly impact the league and its players, so let's dive in.
The WNBA is reportedly aiming to move the start of its season earlier as part of ongoing collective bargaining discussions. This proposal from the WNBA owners could see the regular season commencing sooner, potentially overlapping with the NCAA women’s basketball tournament. According to reports from Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports, this could even lead to rookies joining the teams weeks into the season. It's worth noting that the WNBA has never started its season before May.
But here's where it gets complicated: An earlier start date could clash with 'Project B,' an international basketball tour that's generating buzz. Initially linked to LeBron James' business partner, Maverick Carter, and the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Project B has made significant strides in attracting talent from the women's game.
Project B has already secured commitments from prominent WNBA players, including union president Nneka Ogwumike and All-Stars like Alyssa Thomas, Jonquel Jones, Jewell Loyd, and Kelsey Mitchell. Under the current WNBA schedule, these players can participate in the November-April Project B season without conflicting with their WNBA commitments.
And this is the part most people miss: If the WNBA season were to start as early as March, these players could face suspension from the league under the prioritization rules established in the previous collective bargaining agreement (CBA). These rules mandate that veteran players competing in other leagues must report to WNBA training camp on time to avoid a full-season suspension.
ESPN reported last month that prioritization hadn't yet been a key focus in the current negotiations. However, any alteration to the league schedule would inevitably bring this issue to the forefront.
The WNBA CBA was initially set to expire at the end of October, but after two extensions, it's now set to run through January 9.
What do you think? Will an earlier WNBA season benefit the league, or could it create more problems than it solves? Do you think the prioritization rules are fair to players who want to compete internationally? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
