Adam Silver Confirms Agreement in the WNBA Despite Tensions
STAMFORD, Conn. – 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 strong criticism of the league’s leadership, threatening to overshadow the WNBA Finals between Las Vegas and Phoenix.Silver highlighted that, despite the challenges, he is confident that an agreement will be reached with the players. The league’s negotiators and the players’ association will meet to discuss a new agreement. The players are seeking significant changes, especially after the great growth of the WNBA in recent seasons. Some have expressed their frustration, although not with the same vehemence as Collier, who finished second in the voting for the league’s MVP. Silver spoke at NBC Sports headquarters to discuss the network’s return to broadcasting the league this season, including the broadcast of the WNBA Finals in 2026. Derek Fisher, former Lakers player and former president of the National Basketball Players Association, commented that it is unusual to see expressions like Collier’s during negotiations, but understood the reasons. Fisher, who also coached in the WNBA, said that the players feel they haven’t been valued enough and that there’s a disconnect with the league’s management. Silver insisted that an agreement would be reached.There are issues we must address with our players, not just economic ones. There are also relationship issues. I trust that we can solve them over time and that this league can continue on the growth trajectory it currently has.
Adam Silver
