Members of the executive council of the Women's National Basketball Players Association spoke with WNBPA team representatives on Thursday evening, a source told ESPN. All players should soon be informed of the latest proposals from the WNBA regarding the 2020 season, which will then be up for their approval, if they follow the proscribed process.
That means the league and the players' union could be near an agreement on the season, which was to have started May 15 but was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
As reported June 4 by ESPN, the league is projected to have a 22-game regular season, starting July 24, with play at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. Details of the playoffs, which would end in October, have not been specified. The league's initial proposal reportedly had a salary offer of 60% of normal pay, but that is believed to have been increased, sources indicated.
Before the pandemic, the WNBA was scheduled to have a 36-game regular season. The league and the union came together for a new collective bargaining agreement in January, which provided increases in the salary structure.
The WNBA, which began in 1997, has 12 teams. Rosters were cut down by May 26 to a maximum of 12, which allowed players to get their first paychecks on schedule June 1.