Adam Silver Confirms Labor Agreement in the WNBA, Acknowledging Challenges
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 improve internal relations 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 management, which threatened to tarnish the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix. The WNBA is experiencing growth challenges, and it’s unfortunate that this is happening right when the most important games, the Finals, are being played. We’ve had two fantastic games so far, and we want to celebrate the game, but then we must sit down with the players and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement. 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, although not with the same vehemence as Collier, who was the league’s MVP runner-up. Silver highlighted the league’s historical growth under Engelbert’s leadership, but acknowledged the need to address existing issues with the players, not only in economic terms, but also in relationships. He expressed confidence that they will be able to solve these problems and that the league will continue its upward trajectory. 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 Basketball Players Association, recalled the 2011 situation, when the league and the union failed to reach an agreement on time, resulting in a lockout and a shortened season. Fisher commented that, although it is unusual to see someone express themselves as Collier did during the negotiations, he understands the reasons. Fisher, who was also a coach in the WNBA and is now an NBC analyst, pointed out that, in the context of high-stakes negotiations and discussions, distrust and misunderstandings can arise due to poor communication. However, he emphasized that until an agreement is reached, the nature is adversarial. Silver insisted that an agreement will be reached.Fisher suggested that WNBA players feel they haven’t been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher believes the WNBA could have reached this point sooner. He mentioned Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese as figures who have re-accelerated growth, but emphasized that the league has always been special. The players, according to Fisher, feel that they cannot allow certain aspects of the league’s 27-year history to be repeated and do not want future generations to find themselves in the same situation of lack of influence that they experienced.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
