Adam Silver Confirms Collective Bargaining Agreement with WNBA Players Despite Tensions
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has assured that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players, although he acknowledged the need to improve internal relations following recent criticism directed at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Tensions reached their peak last week when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier expressed strong criticism of the league’s leadership. These statements threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix, which began shortly after.Silver emphasized that, despite the difficulties, an agreement will be reached with the players. Although it will not be easy, the expectation is that a consensus will be reached. The players are seeking significant changes following the enormous growth of the WNBA in recent seasons, and some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the NBA Basketball Players Association, commented that he can perceive that WNBA players feel they have not been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher, who has also been a coach in the WNBA, pointed out that the league could have reached this point sooner and that current players are determined to prevent the situations of the past from repeating, seeking to ensure a more favorable future for the next generations.There are issues we must address with our players, not just economic ones. There are also relationship issues. I trust that we can solve them over time and that this league can continue on the upward trajectory it is currently on.
Adam Silver
