Adam Silver Confirms Labor Agreement in the WNBA Despite Tensions
STAMFORD, Conn. – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver assured that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players, although he acknowledged the need to solve problems in the relationships after recent criticism directed at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. These tensions reached their peak last week, when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier expressed her discontent with the league’s leadership. These statements threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix.Silver stated that, although the WNBA is experiencing difficulties inherent in growth, it is crucial to focus on celebrating the current game and, subsequently, negotiate a new agreement with the players. Commissioner Engelbert has also expressed confidence in reaching a new agreement, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. League and players’ association negotiators are expected to meet soon. The players are seeking significant changes following the notable growth of the WNBA in recent seasons, and some have expressed their frustration, although not as openly as Collier, who was runner-up in the league’s MVP voting. Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season, including the WNBA Finals in 2026. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the Basketball Players Association, commented that it is unusual to see such a direct expression as Collier’s during the negotiations. Fisher, who has also been a coach in the WNBA, understood the reasons behind these statements.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 insisted that an agreement will be reached. “We will reach an agreement with the players,” he said. “There is a lot of work to be done, but, of course, we will get a new collective bargaining agreement.” Fisher believes 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 could have reached this point sooner. Players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have re-energized growth, but this league has always been special. Therefore, the players are saying that they cannot allow some of the things that have occurred in the last 27 years to be repeated. They do not want to leave future generations in the same position they were in.When you’re in the middle of high-level negotiations and discussions, sometimes you reach a level of distrust, misunderstandings due to poor communication. But, ultimately, until an agreement is reached, there is a very confrontational nature.
Derek Fisher
