Former MLB executive outlines key reasons behind WNBA heading for possible lockout: "NBA owners are responsible for about 75% of the WNBA"

Earlier this week, reports emerged that the players of the WNBA decided to opt out of their current collective bargaining agreement with the league. As the two sides gear up for negotiations, one former MLB executive decided to chime in with his thoughts.

The players association will enter these negotiations likely looking to increase salaries. However, there is a potential situation where this decision to opt out backfires on them. If a new deal is not agreed upon by the end of the 2025 season, it could result in a work stoppage and lockout.

Among those to speak on the WNBA opting out of their CBA was David Samson. While on his podcast, he opened up on why he feels things might not play out how the players might hope. Among the things Samson brought up was how NBA owners are tied into these negotiations.

"While the WNBA appears to be thriving as a business, it stinks. The franchise valuations [are] low, the operating income for teams non-existent," Samson said.

"The NBA wanted to make sure that you knew that, and they wanted to get it out there that they own 60% of the league. That's the NBA that owns 60% [of the] league. Then there are individual owners that own a bunch of the WNBA, because they own two teams. So basically, NBA owners are responsible for about 75% of the WNBA, according to sources."

Samson spent most of his career serving as the president of the Miami Marlins. He held this position for 15 years, spanning from 2002 to 2017.

There is no denying that women's basketball has seen a massive growth in viewership and popularity in recent years, but the league is technically failing from a financial standpoint. During the finals, reports emerged that the league is going to lose $40 million.

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One analyst believes the WNBA players have leverage in their CBA negotiations

With the WNBA still failing to turn a profit, players are going to have a tough time seeking a large increase in pay. Despite this, one analyst feels their side has leverage as they attempt to work out a new deal with the league.

During a recent episode of 'Gojo and Golic', Mike Golic touched on the players deciding to opt out of their current CBA. He feels the players have the upper hand as the league can't afford to let their current rise in popularity come to a full stop.

"I think the WNBA players have leverage here," Golic said. "I mean, they are coming off just a monster, skyrocketing year and the league can ill afford to have a work stoppage and bring it to a screeching halt."

Golic brings up an interesting point. While the league might still be losing money, things finally look like they are starting to turn a corner. With all the momentum in their favor, owners won't want to see a stoppage that could push them back to square one.

In the short and long term, the league has produced stars that will sustain their steady increase in popularity. There are young players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and current superstars like A'Ja Wilson.

Between the product improving and expansion on the rise, the league has to be careful not to stall their improving trajectory.