Adam Silver Confirms Labor Agreement in the WNBA Despite Tensions
STAMFORD, Conn. – 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 repair relations following recent criticism of 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.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. Some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert, although not with the same vehemence as Collier, who was the league’s MVP runner-up.“There’s no doubt the WNBA is experiencing growing pains, and it’s unfortunate that this is happening right when their most important games, the Finals, are being played,” Silver stated. “We’ve had two fantastic games so far, and we want to celebrate the game right now, and then we’ll have to sit down with the players and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.”
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
Silver made these statements at NBC Sports headquarters, where the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season was discussed. It will also televise the WNBA Finals in 2026. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the Basketball Players Association, commented that it’s rare to see someone express themselves as Collier did during the negotiations, but he understood the reason.“Cathy Engelbert has overseen historic growth in the league, but there’s no doubt that there are issues we need to address with our players, not just economic,” Silver stated. “There are also relationship issues. I am confident that we can resolve them over time and that this league can continue on the upward trajectory it is currently on.”
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
Silver insisted that an agreement would be reached.“It’s not normal, but those were the feelings many times,” said Fisher, who was also a coach in the WNBA and will be an NBA game analyst for NBC.
Derek Fisher, Former NBA Player
Fisher suggested that WNBA players feel they haven’t been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. “I think the W could have been at this point before,” Fisher said. “Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have re-accelerated the growth, but this league has always been special. And I think the players are just saying we can’t allow some of the things that have taken place in our 27-year history. We don’t want to leave the girls of the next 20 years in the position we were in when we had no influence.”“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, NBA Commissioner
