53 | WNBA's Labor Fight and Activism

Miguel is joined by sports journalist Zachary Draves about WNBA activism and labor struggles. Zachary covers the WNBA for SB Nation's Swish Appeal, and you can follow Zachary on X/Twitter @DravesZachary. Zachary discuss his article on player responses to the ICE killings of Alex Pretti and Renée Good in Minneapolis, citing public statements from players including Breanna Stewart (who held an “Abolish ICE” sign), Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, and connects this to earlier WNBA activism in 2016 and during the 2020 “Bubble,” including the league’s political organizing in Georgia.

Miguel and Zachary also address growing women’s sports media attention, Draves’ article linking Jesse Jackson’s civil rights legacy to the WNBA, and current CBA negotiations focused on increasing players’ revenue share (from about 9–10% to 30%). Zachary also discusses his Sport and Society initiative and his forthcoming women’s basketball history podcast, “She’s Always Had Game."

Note: This episode was recorded prior to the WNBA Players Association and the WNBA agreeing on a New Bargaining Agreement.

Links:

* It should be no surprise that WNBA players are not hesitating to speak out against ICE by Zachary Draves/SBNation Swish Appeal

* The legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson is embedded within the foundational principles of WNBA players by Zachary Draves/SBNation Swish Appeal

* Sources: WNBA salary cap set to top $10M by end of new CBA by Alexa Philippou /ESPN

* ‘They Will Never Pay You What You Deserve’: WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike Blasts NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s Misinformed Take On CBA Negotiations by J.R. Gamble/The Shadow League

* Donate to the Comrade Brotha Amp Da Truth

Miguel Garcia and Comrade E produced this episode. The Sports As A Weapon Podcast is part of the @Anticonquista Media Collective. Subscribe to the ANTICONQUISTA Patreon and follow ANTICONQUISTA on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.

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