ALL WNBL players are now being paid, with a minimum wage of $ 7500 in place for the first time.
A new deal for the WNBL is being enforced for the shortened 2017/18 competition and been heralded by Opal Laura Hodges as a “great start” for one of the top basketball leagues in the world.
Under the WNBL Players Minimum Conditions Agreement revealed today, all employed players are guaranteed a minimum wage of $ 7500, with no cap on payments to players or team salaries.
SUSPENSION:Flames ready for Cambage return
WRAP: Round seven winners and grinners
RACE IS ONE: Who will be the first woman to dunk in WNBL
Last season there were still basketballers playing only for expenses with 20 per cent of the WNBL paid less than $ 5000 in 2015/16. Contracted players are now earning an average of $ 33,660, an $ 8000 increase on last year’s average.
The new agreement also includes guaranteed contracts, restricted training periods and total hours, as well as improved conditions for travel, promotional appearances and young development players.
Basketball Australia is working on a collective bargaining agreement which will include a parental policy dealing with childcare.
Hodges, an Australian Basketballers Association (ABA) director, said there are major benefits to the deal she believes will help keep top players in the game in Australia.
SUPER FOILER: Is this world sailing’s best crew?
SURF STARLET: Teenager wins Nutri-Grain ironwoman … again
“Training between 10 and four is restricted so people can pursue study and work opportunities. That’s a big thing g for women wanting to purse a career after basketball,’’ said the Adelaide Lighting star.
“Hopefully it will keep the big names here in Australia as well.
“So many girls are in college and now a reason to come home is there that will make it (the WNBL) grow a lot. The stronger the national league, the stronger the national team.’’
The deal brings the WNBL a step closer to powerhouse women’s competitions including the WBBL, WAFL and Super Netball.
“We’ve seen what has occurred in other leagues between the players’ associations and governing bodies and this has set the foundation for us in the WNBL,’’ said WNBL Players president Rachel Jarry.
FAN FAVOURITES: Why you will fall in love with this team
SEACHANGE:Tyler Wright’s new move
“It marks the end of the amateur era of this relationship and ensures the players will be provided with much better conditions of employment within the WNBL,’’ said ABA CEO Jacob Holmes. “It also marks the beginning of players taking a seat at the table in the best interests of the players and the game.”
Sport | news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site
