Collective Bargaining Agreement

The WNBA and WNBA Player's Association announced that they have entered into a collective bargaining agreement covering six seasons, 2008 through 2013.

Under the new agreement:

• Player salaries are guaranteed to increase each year league-wide, and the individual maximum and minimum player salaries will continue to grow.
• Maximum salary increases from $93,000 to $95,000 this year, with a $2,000 increase each season.
• Veteran minimum salaries will increase by $1,000 to $50,000.
• Rookie minimums will grow from $32,600 to $34,500 this year.
• Like the expired CBA, the new agreement includes a revenue-sharing component should league revenues reach agreed-upon benchmarks.
• Adjustments to the free-agency system will increase player movement. Specifically, the number of players that each team may designate as core players decreases from two to one beginning in 2009.

I understand that the League must support itself, but it's a gosh darn shame that these numbers are so low. Is it the poverty of the fans? The greediness of Management? Corporate Skepticism? Or what? The women's game doesn't get the respect it deserves. How, how, how can we make it more successful?

(And don't tell me to buy season tickets. I've done my share. Truly, I have. My enthusiasm for the team and the League hasn't waned an iota since 1997. If we were still competing in an arena befitting of our pro athletes (in a secure location that I could get to on time), I would be there. No disrespect meant toward my team, but I have to look after my own interests as well.