Silver Confirms: New WNBA CBA on the Way After Criticism of Engelbert

Adam Silver Confirms Negotiations for a New Collective Bargaining Agreement in the WNBA

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players. The announcement comes amid certain criticisms towards Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and after controversial statements. The situation reached its peak last week when Napheesa Collier, a Minnesota player, expressed her dissatisfaction with the league’s leadership. These statements threaten to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

There is no doubt that the WNBA is experiencing growing pains, and it’s unfortunate that this is happening just as their most important games and Finals are underway.

Adam Silver

Engelbert has also stated that a new agreement will be finalized, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. League and players’ association negotiators are expected to meet in the coming days. The players are seeking significant changes due to the enormous growth of the WNBA in recent seasons. Some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert, although not with the same intensity as Collier, who was runner-up for the league’s MVP.

Cathy Engelbert has presided over historic growth in the league, but there is no doubt that there are issues we need to address with our players, not just economic ones. There are also relationship issues. I am confident that we can solve them over time and that this league can continue on the upward trajectory it is currently on.

Adam Silver

Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season. It will also televise the WNBA Finals in 2026. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the Basketball Players Association, commented on the situation. Fisher said it was unusual to see someone express themselves like Collier during the negotiations, but he understood the reason.

It’s not normal, but those were the feelings many times. Whenever you’re in the heat of negotiations, conversations, and high-level discussions, sometimes it gets to the level of distrust, misunderstandings due to lack of communication or poor communication. But, ultimately, until an agreement is reached, there’s a very adversarial nature until they come back together.

Derek Fisher

Silver insisted they would reach an agreement.

We will reach an agreement with the players. There is much work to be done, but, of course, we will achieve a new collective bargaining agreement.

Adam Silver

Fisher believes that WNBA players feel they haven’t been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher also added that, despite the recent growth driven by figures like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, the league has always been special. The players feel they cannot allow certain past situations to repeat themselves, seeking to ensure a more favorable future for the next generations.