Adam Silver Confirms Labor Agreement in the WNBA Despite Tensions
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 after recent criticism of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. These tensions reached their peak last week, when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier expressed harsh criticism of the league’s leadership, which threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix.Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season, including the WNBA Finals in 2026. The players are seeking significant changes after the enormous growth of the WNBA in recent seasons, and some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the NBA Basketball Players Association, commented that it is unusual to see an expression like Collier’s, but understood the reason. Silver insisted that an agreement will be reached. Fisher senses that WNBA players feel they haven’t been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management.There are issues we must address with our players, not just economic ones. There are also relationship problems. I am sure we can solve them over time and that this league can continue on the upward trajectory it is currently on.
Adam Silver
