Adam Silver Confirms Collective Bargaining Agreement in the WNBA, Acknowledging Challenges
STAMFORD, Conn. – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players. However, Silver acknowledged the need to address and repair the relationship issues that have arisen following recent criticisms directed at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. These issues reached their peak last week, when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier expressed harsh criticism of the league’s leadership. The situation threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix, which began days later.Engelbert has also expressed his confidence that a new agreement will be reached, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. Negotiators from the league and the players’ association are expected to meet this week. The players are seeking significant changes following the enormous growth of the WNBA in recent seasons, and some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert. 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’s rare to see someone express themselves the way Collier did during the negotiations, but he understood the reason.There are issues we must address with our players, not just economic ones. There are also relationship problems. I trust that we can solve them over time and that this league can continue with the growth trajectory it has at this moment.
Adam Silver
Silver insisted that an agreement would be reached. Fisher added that he perceives that WNBA players feel they have not been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher also said the league could have reached this point sooner.It’s not the norm, but those were the feelings many times.
Derek Fisher
