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 repair relations following recent criticism of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. These issues 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.
Silver commented that the WNBA is experiencing difficulties in its growth, especially during its most important games. He highlighted the need to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement with the players. Engelbert has also expressed his confidence in reaching a new agreement, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. The league and players’ association negotiators are expected to meet this week. The players are seeking significant changes following the notable growth of the WNBA in recent seasons, and some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert, although not with the same intensity as Collier. Silver acknowledged that, while Engelbert has led historic growth in the league, there are issues that need to be addressed with the players, including economic and relationship aspects. He expressed optimism in being able to solve these problems and keep the league on its current upward trajectory. Silver made these statements at NBC Sports headquarters, where the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season and the televising of the WNBA Finals in 2026 were discussed. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the National Basketball Players Association, commented that it is unusual to see someone express themselves as Collier did during the negotiations, but he understood the reasons. Fisher pointed out that, in high-stakes negotiation situations, distrust and misunderstandings can arise due to lack of communication. However, he emphasized that, until an agreement is reached, the nature is inevitably adversarial. Silver insisted that an agreement will be reached. Fisher intuits that the WNBA players feel they have not been valued enough and that there is a disconnection with the league’s management. Fisher believes the WNBA could have reached this point sooner. He highlighted that players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have accelerated the league’s growth, but that it has always been special. The players seek to avoid repeating past situations and ensure a better future for the next generations.There’s a lot of work to be done, but of course we will get a new collective bargaining agreement.
Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner
