WNBA determining how to get more cash in players’ pockets to forgo international offseason

The GIST: Following Brittney Griner’s safe return home thanks to a prisoner swap with Russia, the WNBA is exploring a “full-out transformation” of its economic model to ensure players are paid enough to forgo playing internationally in the future.

The details: W commissioner Cathy Engelbert did not share specifics on the proposed changes during an interview with CBS This Morning on Friday, but noted that a lack of resources — related to sponsorship dollars and women’s sports coverage — limit the WNBA’s power.

• Until the tides change, the league will continue to back players who choose to play overseas this offseason, but most are required to return. The new prioritization rule means players with two or more years of experience will be fined or suspended for skipping preseason or the regular season, respectively.

The context: Griner’s financial situation, notably as a very accomplished star player, paints a grim picture. She made just over $200K during the 2022 W campaign after earning more than $1 million a season in Russia, where oligarchs and government municipalities own teams and have no financial restrictions.

• Around half of the W’s 144 players played internationally in 2022, and many will do so again before the league’s 2023 season tips off in May. To avoid Russia, hoopers are instead opting for teams in Turkey, Australia and Italy.

Zooming out: The commissioner isn’t wrong about the W’s economic struggles, but the league and its business partners must solve a problem caused entirely by low wages. The question now becomes, after a record-breaking 2022 season and a recent $75 million cash injection, how will the WNBA leverage its success to support its athletes?

• The Las Vegas Aces’ Kelsey Plum has an idea. Last month, the W champ called for the league to improve its revenue sharing model, suggesting a simple 50-50 split à la the NBA.