By now, all engaged with the world of sports have heard the explosive comments made by WNBA superstar and Vice President of the Women's National Basketball Players' Association (WNBPA), Napheesa Collier, during her season's end exit interview detailing the relationship, or lack thereof, between WNBA players and the WNBA governing body led by WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert.
Collier's comments came in light of the ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and its players. As of today, those "talks" have been extended 30 days. It's typical for employees to have some dissatisfaction with their leadership, but the fact that so many WNBA players have supported and echoed Collier's sentiments shows this isn't normal.
Contrastingly, in the world of tennis, many WTA athletes have touted the WTA for its treatment of its invaluable women.
Now, of course, I'm exaggerating a bit because everything isn't "sunshine and roses" in the sport of tennis; it's very much a growing sport, but let's take a look at a few things the WTA has done that its players are loving.
1. Creating an open dialog
Back in 2021, there was much discussion regarding mental health as a result of Naomi Osaka's boycott of her press obligations at the French Open. While acknowledging that press commitments are a part of being a professional athlete, as well as noting its many practices in place to support the mental health of its players, the WTA also publicly stated:
"The WTA welcomes a dialogue with Naomi (and all players) to discuss possible approaches that can help support an athlete as they manage any concerns related to mental health."Women's Tennis Association
In a recent interview speaking about navigating Social Media, Osaka said that "almost all" tournaments offer access to "facilities with quiet rooms" and "someone you can talk to on site 24/7."
2. Providing proper healthcare and maternity
In March of this year, the WTA initiated a "first-of-its-kind" maternity program with the major benefit being the receipt of paid maternity leave for players. Seen as a priority objective for WTA CEO Portia Archer, she remarked:
"I think it will really be transformational because it will give players the agency, the opportunity, the flexibility, the financial resources and the support to be able to decide when and how they want to build or extend their family."Portia Archer, WTA CEO
Archer praised the WTA Players' Council for being instrumental in their advocation of a maternity program. After only being brought into the WTA recently, she's already making her mark as a leader that listens, engages with the players, and supports them with action.
As a player, this is the kind of leadership you want because it builds trust that your best interests for your career, and ultimately your life, are truly being taken into account.
3. Protected player rankings
As an extension of the maternity program, the WTA most recently announced its decision to protect player rankings for its players undergoing fertility procedures. Noted as "groundbreaking" by former top player, Sloane Stephens, also added:
"The WTA has now created a safe space for players to explore options and to make the best decisions for themselves."Sloane Stephens
5. WTA players are not just employees
It's not enough to just listen; you have to listen, comprehend, and then act.
In doing so, the WTA continues to ensure its athletes know their welfare, on and off the court, is paramount to it. WNBA players are people, and as people, we all want to be treated like human beings, not just "employees". The value of a league results from the players that make it worth investing money, time, emotions, etc.
If the WNBA needs answers for its current predicament, it should take several pages from the WTA.