Adam Silver Confirms WNBA CBA Agreement, Despite Tensions and Criticism

Adam Silver Confirms Collective Bargaining Agreement in the WNBA, Acknowledging Challenges

STAMFORD, Conn. – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has stated that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players. However, he acknowledged the need to repair certain issues in the relationships, following recent criticism directed at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. These tensions reached their peak last week, when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier expressed strong criticism of the league’s direction. The situation threatens to overshadow the WNBA Finals, played between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

There is no doubt that the WNBA is experiencing growing pains, and it is unfortunate that this is happening right when its most important games and the Finals are being played.

Adam Silver

Engelbert has also expressed confidence in reaching a new agreement, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. The league and players’ association negotiators are expected to meet shortly. The players are seeking significant changes, motivated by the notable growth of the WNBA in recent seasons. Some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert, although not with the same vehemence as Collier, who was runner-up for the league’s MVP award.

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

Adam Silver

Silver made these statements at NBC Sports headquarters, as part of the announcement of the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season. NBC 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 led the association in 2011, when an agreement was not reached in time, resulting in a season reduced to 66 games. Fisher, who has also been a coach in the WNBA and will be an NBC analyst for NBA coverage, noted that it is unusual to see someone express themselves as Collier did during the negotiations, but understood the reason.

It’s not normal, but those were the feelings many times.

Derek Fisher

Silver assured that they will reach an agreement.

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

Adam Silver

Fisher suggested that WNBA players feel they haven’t been valued enough, and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher added that the league’s growth has accelerated, in part, thanks to figures like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, but that current players do not want to repeat the situations they experienced in the past.