Silver secures WNBA CBA deal after criticism: What about Engelbert?

Adam Silver Confirms Collective Bargaining Agreement in the WNBA, Acknowledging Challenges

NBA commissioner Adam Silver has assured that a new collective bargaining agreement will be reached with the WNBA players, although he admitted the need to improve 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.

“There is no doubt that the WNBA is experiencing growing pains, and it is unfortunate that this is happening right when its most important games and the Finals are being played,” Silver stated.

Adam Silver

Engelbert has also expressed his confidence that a new agreement will be reached, although not necessarily before the October 31 deadline. Negotiators from the league and the players’ association are expected to meet this week. The players are seeking significant changes after the enormous growth of the WNBA in recent seasons, and some have expressed their frustration with Engelbert. Silver acknowledged the need to address both economic and player relationship aspects, showing confidence in the league’s ability to overcome these challenges. 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 that it is unusual to see expressions like Collier’s during negotiations, although he understood the reasons.

“It’s not the norm, but those were the feelings many times,” Fisher said.

Derek Fisher

Fisher, who has also coached in the WNBA and will be an NBC analyst, pointed out the adverse nature of the negotiations until an agreement is reached. Silver insisted that an agreement would be reached. Fisher perceived that the WNBA players feel they have not been valued enough and that there is a disconnect with the league’s management. Fisher also commented that the league could have reached this point sooner, but that players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have re-accelerated growth, and the players do not want to repeat past situations.