Silver Confirms WNBA CBA Agreement: Challenges and Growth in Discussion

Adam Silver Confirms 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 improve relations after 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’s a tough growth stage in the WNBA, it’s unfortunate that this is happening right when the most important games and the Finals are underway. We’ve had two fantastic games so far, and we want to celebrate the game right now, then we’ll have to sit down with the players and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.

Adam Silver

Engelbert has also expressed his confidence in reaching a new agreement, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. League and players’ association negotiators were 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 intensity as Collier, who was the league’s MVP runner-up.

Cathy Engelbert has presided over historic growth in the league, but there is no doubt that there are problems that we must address with our players, not just economic ones. There are also relationship problems. I am confident that we can solve them over time and that this league can continue on the growth trajectory it has at the moment.

Adam Silver

Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season. It will also televise the WNBA Finals in 2026. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the National Basketball Players Association in 2011, commented that it is unusual to see someone express themselves as Collier did during the negotiations, but he understood the reason.

It’s not normal, but those were the feelings many times. Whenever you’re in the heat of negotiations and high-stakes conversations, sometimes it gets to the level of distrust, misunderstandings due to poor communication. But, ultimately, until an agreement is reached, there’s a very contradictory nature until you’re back together.

Derek Fisher

Silver insisted that an agreement would be reached.

We will reach an agreement with the players. There is much work to be done, but, of course, we will obtain a new collective bargaining agreement.

Adam Silver

Fisher indicated that he perceives that WNBA players feel they have not been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher adds that the league’s growth has re-accelerated thanks to players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which is why current players don’t want to repeat the history of the last 27 seasons and don’t want to leave future players in the same position they were in.