Liberty owners Joe and Clara Wu Tsai violated the league’s collective bargaining agreement because the use of chartered flights is considered a competitive advantage. The league responded with the massive fine and the removal of Liberty executive Oliver Weisberg from the WNBA’s executive committee.
Megdal’s report indicated the WNBA originally planned to levy a $1 million fine before dropping it to $500,000. The league’s general counsel, Jamin Dershowitz, reportedly “floated out” other penalties, including the loss of draft picks, suspension of team owners and even the termination of the franchise.
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New York was, as Megdal wrote, essentially accused of “treating players too well,” and the Tsais were unwilling to wait for the league’s permission. Per Megdal:
Sabrina Ionescu, the Liberty’s top pick in the 2020 WNBA Draft, offered a three-word reaction: “What a joke.”
Four-time All-Star Liz Cambage, who has repeatedly voiced her concerns about player salaries and travel issues, tweeted Megdal’s report with the upside-down face emoji.
Other WNBA players chimed in on social media with their disapproval.
New York did not charter a flight for its first-round playoff game against Phoenix in an effort to reduce the proposed $1 million fine. The Mercury defeated the Liberty 83-82, ending New York’s season.
