Silver Confirms CBA Negotiation in WNBA: Agreement a Priority

Adam Silver Confirms Collective Bargaining Agreement in the WNBA Despite Tensions

STAMFORD, Conn. – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has confirmed that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players. However, he acknowledged the need to repair 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 leadership, which threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix.

There are issues we must address with our players, not just economic ones. There are also relationship issues. I trust that we can solve them over time and that this league can continue on the upward trajectory it is currently on.

Adam Silver

Silver emphasized that, despite the difficulties, an agreement will be reached. Engelbert has also expressed 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 to address the players’ demands, who are seeking significant changes following the notable growth of the WNBA in recent seasons. Some players have expressed their frustration with Engelbert, although not with the same vehemence as Collier, who was runner-up for the league’s MVP. Silver made these statements at NBC Sports headquarters, where the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season was discussed. NBC will also televise the WNBA Finals in 2026. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the National Basketball Players Association in 2011, when an agreement was not reached and a lockout shortened the season, commented 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

Fisher, who has also been a coach in the WNBA and will be an NBC analyst for NBA coverage, added: Silver insisted that an agreement would be reached. Fisher indicated that he perceives that WNBA players feel they haven’t been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher said the WNBA could have been at this point earlier. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have re-accelerated growth, but this league has always been special. The players are saying they cannot allow some of the things that have occurred in the 27 years of history to continue. They don’t want to leave future generations in the same position they were in when they had no influence.