Inglewood City Council Unanimously Backs WNBA Players In Contract Fight

By Marion Apio

The Inglewood City Council unanimously passed a resolution Tuesday in support of professional women basketball players being paid more and receiving other benefits compared with their male colleagues.

The council’s resolution, which backs the Women’s National Basketball Players Association in its pivotal contract negotiations with the league, seeks fairer wages and improved working conditions. 

Inglewood is home to the Los Angeles Sparks and the future Intuit Dome.

WNBA athletes are seeking a new collective bargaining agreement with the league, after their union opted out of the current deal. 

While accepting a formal commendation from the city on behalf of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and the WNBPA, Yvonne Wheeler, 1st Executive Vice President California Federation of Labor Unions, painted a stark picture of the players’ sacrifices. 

She specifically called out a flawed financial structure where players receive only about 9 percent of the revenue they generate, a figure she said signals that “something is deeply wrong.” 

In the National Basketball Association, male players receive approximately 50 percent of the league’s basketball-related income.

Wheeler argued the union’s demands are essential rights, not special favors. She cited as an example WNBA players having access to safer and more comfortable charter flights to and from competitions.

After 40 minutes of blood, sweat, and brilliance, no player should have to squeeze into a cramped coach seat, ” Wheeler said. 

Wheeler  also emphasized the need for year-round health care and comprehensive maternity and reproductive support for players.

Hayley Hutt, a representative for District 61 Assemblymember Tina Simone McKinnor, said the WNBA players’ fight is about respect.

“This fight isn’t about greed. It’s about equity,” Hutt said.

City Pride Magazine has reached out to the WNBA for comment on the city’s resolution and is awaiting a response.