营收翻倍的WNBA，却给不出30%的球员分红？

Core Viewpoint - The WNBA is currently facing a critical labor negotiation situation, with significant gaps between the league and the players' union regarding salary and revenue sharing, risking a potential strike if no agreement is reached by January 9 [1][19][22]. Group 1: Labor Negotiation Context - The players' union (WNBPA) opted to exit the existing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) three years early to establish a new contract for the next five to ten years, but negotiations have stalled significantly [1][3]. - The current labor negotiations have been postponed twice, with the latest deadline set for January 9, 2024, and both parties have the option to unilaterally exit negotiations with 48 hours' notice [1][3]. Group 2: Financial Growth and Revenue Sharing - The WNBA has seen substantial growth, with average attendance reaching 10,986 in the 2025 season and average viewership at 1.3 million, the highest since the league's inception [3][4]. - Total revenue for the league has increased from just over $100 million in 2019 to approximately $200 million in 2023, bolstered by expansion fees and a new $2.2 billion broadcasting deal [4][5]. - Despite this growth, players currently receive only about 9.3% of league revenue due to a restrictive revenue-sharing mechanism that has never been triggered [6][8]. Group 3: Players' Demands and League's Response - The players' union is advocating for a revenue-sharing model directly tied to league income, aiming for a share of around 30%, contrasting with the league's proposal of a maximum of 14% [8][11]. - The league's latest proposal includes significant salary increases, with maximum salaries potentially reaching $1.2 million, but it still seeks to maintain the existing revenue-sharing structure [9][11]. Group 4: Broader Implications and Future Risks - If negotiations fail, the WNBA could face its first-ever work stoppage, which would disrupt the league's growth trajectory and impact sponsorship, media, and ticket sales [19][22]. - The upcoming month is critical for determining the league's direction, with the potential for either entering a new growth phase or facing severe operational disruptions [22][23].