Sports
WNBA Finals: Las Vegas Aces Lead Amid CBA Negotiations

Las Vegas, NV – The WNBA Finals are heating up as the Las Vegas Aces take a commanding 3-0 series lead against the Phoenix Mercury. This thrilling matchup occurs just weeks before the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA) is set to expire, adding an extra layer of urgency for players facing potential free agency.
The Aces and Mercury are not only vying for the championship title but also up to $23,000 in prize money for each athlete. With this year marking the Finals’ first best-of-seven format, the potential winnings have seen a substantial increase. The champions will each receive $22,908, up from last year’s $20,825, while the runners-up will earn $8,521, a rise from $7,746.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her commitment to improving player compensation, stating, “We’re just trying to chip away and find ways for the players and to lift them and to pay them more.” Since 2020, the league has expanded its postseason bonus pool significantly, reflecting the growing business of women’s basketball.
While the increase in prize money is encouraging, disparities remain. Players from the Indiana Fever recently gained up to $30,000 by winning the midseason Commissioner’s Cup final. Caitlin Clark, a Fever star, noted, “You get more [money] for this than you do if you’re the [WNBA Finals] champion. It makes no sense.”
As the Finals unfold, tensions surrounding the CBA negotiations persist. Reports indicate that both the WNBPA and league officials have yet to reach an agreement, with fears of a potential lockout looming as the October 31 deadline approaches. Engelbert remains hopeful, emphasizing ongoing efforts to negotiate a transformative deal that would enhance player salaries and benefits.
The interest in the Finals has surged; Game 1 averaged 1.9 million viewers, the highest for a Finals game since 1997. With shifting dynamics in both compensation structures and league negotiations, the current WNBA season represents a pivotal moment.
Meanwhile, Mercury guard Kahleah Copper affirmed the team’s determination, stating, “We got to get to four [wins], and then we can go full throttle.” The stakes are high as the Finals continue and players strive for not just championship glory but also better financial futures.