WNBA Regs- Who Can Negotiate a Player Contract?
This is the first blog in a series that explains the WNBAPA regulations as it relates to player agents. It is important for players to understand these regulations, as well as agents.
Let’s start from the beginning. Let’s start with Section 1.
Section 1.A. of the Regulations reads as follows:
No person (other than a player representing herself) shall be permitted to conduct individual contract negotiations on behalf of a player (including a rookie) and/or assist in or advise with respect to such negotiations with the WNBA and/or WNBA teams after the effective date of these Regulations unless [they are] (1) currently certified as a player agent pursuant to these Regulations, and (2) signs the Standard Player Agent Contract with the player."
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?
Pro-Players must be aware that in order from someone to represent them in negotiations of their player contract, two things must be true:
The individual must be a certified player agent with the WNBAPA; AND
The player must enter into a Standard Player Agent Contract.
Prudent Pro-Players will ensure that any individual who with to represent them in contract negotiations are in fact Certified by the WNBAPA. Even more, the Pro-Player must enter into a Standard Player Agent Contract with that individual.
WHAT IS A STANDARD PLAYER AGENT CONTRACT?
This is important for Pro-Players (or soon-to-be-pro-players). The Standard Player Agent Contract (“SPAC”) is a boilerplate document created by the WNBAPA. This agreement specifically covers the aspect of the Player-Agent relationship as it relates to negotiating player compensation with the team.
NOTE TO PRO-PLAYERS: When engaging with a PR firm, Management Agency, or an agent providing non-player contract services, then of course, another agreement would apply. However, if anyone is touching your player contract, make sure that you have entered into a STANDARD PLAYER AGENT CONTRACT.