Silver Confirms WNBA CBA Agreement: Challenges and Growth of the Women’s League

Adam Silver Confirms Agreement in the WNBA, Though Acknowledges Challenges

STAMFORD, Conn. – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has assured that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players. However, Silver admitted that there are problems in the relationships that must be solved, this after the recent criticisms directed at Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The situation reached its peak last week, when Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier expressed strong criticism of the league’s leadership. Collier stated that the league has “the worst leadership in the world.” These statements threatened to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix, which began days later.

There’s no doubt that the WNBA is experiencing growing pains, and it’s unfortunate that this is happening right when their most important games and Finals are underway. We’ve had two fantastic games so far, and we want to celebrate the game right now, and then we have to sit down with the players and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.

Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner

Engelbert has also stated that a new agreement will be reached, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. The league and players’ association negotiators are expected to meet in the coming days. The players are seeking significant changes, driven by the enormous growth of the WNBA in recent seasons. Some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert, although not with the same vehemence as Collier.

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, NBA Commissioner

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, commented on the situation. Fisher recalled that in 2011, the league and the union failed to reach an agreement in time, resulting in a lockout that reduced the season to 66 games. Fisher, who has also been a coach in the WNBA and will be an NBC analyst for NBA coverage, noted that it is unusual to see someone express themselves as Collier did during the negotiations, but understood the reason. 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, NBA Commissioner

Fisher senses that WNBA players feel they haven’t been valued enough and that there’s a disconnect with the league’s management. The news continues…