The recent media rights deal for the WNBA has sparked criticism from Cheryl Miller, the head coach of Team WNBA. The NBA’s Board of Governors approved an 11-year, $76 billion deal with Disney, NBC, and Amazon Prime Video, with the WNBA set to receive about $200 million per year. However, Miller expressed her dissatisfaction with the deal, calling it a “lowball” offer that falls short of what the league deserves.
As a basketball legend and advocate for women’s sports, Miller believes that the WNBA deserves a deal that reflects its value and potential. She emphasized the need for tough negotiators and visionaries to secure a better agreement for the league. Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBA players union, also raised concerns about the valuation of the league in the deal, questioning how the NBA arrived at the $200 million figure.
Despite the criticisms, both Miller and Jackson are optimistic about the future of the WNBA and its growth potential. They believe that the league’s players and fans have shown a strong commitment to building the brand and increasing its popularity. With the right negotiations and support, they hope to secure a more favorable deal for the WNBA in the future.
Overall, the WNBA’s media rights deal has sparked important conversations about the value of women’s sports and the need for fair and equitable treatment. As the league continues to grow and evolve, advocates like Cheryl Miller and Terri Jackson will play a crucial role in ensuring that the WNBA receives the recognition and support it deserves.
