With his experience in collective bargaining, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver knows that these things often come down to the proverbial 11th hour — something, he admitted Saturday, that the WNBA is very close to approaching.
Although he wasn’t ready to set a deadline for when the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Association will have to agree on a new collective bargaining agreement, Silver admitted that “what I would like to accomplish is put pressure on everyone.”
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“I’m encouraged that there’s been more back-and-forth over the last few weeks,” Silver said during his All-Star Weekend press conference. “I think there’s been more direct engagement from players and team owners. I haven’t been at the table, but I’m very involved behind the scenes. I want to play the most productive role in reaching an agreement, but I think we need to move to a higher level of urgency now and not lose momentum in terms of the incredible progress we’ve seen with women’s basketball.”
Adam Silver speaks to reporters during his All-Star Weekend press conference on February 14, 2026. IMAGE IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Silver said the WNBA had to integrate its college draft, an expansion draft and free agency before training camps begin in about two months, and negotiations between the league and the players’ union have continued to drag on since training camps began. Aces won the title in October.
Last Friday, the WNBPA received the league’s counter-proposal six weeks after the players’ union submitted its own, gaps remain in the negotiations.
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The WNBA proposed an increase in the salary cap at $5.65 million for next season, but that’s well below the $10.5 million figure desired by the players’ union, according to the Post’s Madeline Kenney.
The players also want 30 percent of gross revenue, but the league has only submitted a 70 percent share of net revenue, or about 15 percent of gross revenue, according to Kenney.
Cathy Engelbert is pictured on February 13. Getty Images
An in-person meeting between members from both sides took place on February 2, a promising sign after negotiations between the latest proposal and counterproposal stalled.
But teams are running out of time to avoid the start of the season being delayed.
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And all of this then prompted Silver to make comments on Saturday about recognizing the increased pressure to achieve this.
“I think it’s unfortunate where we find ourselves right now, both on the part of the team and the players,” Silver said. “I mean, we’ve just had tremendous momentum in the WNBA – it’s not lost on anyone. I feel like over the last few years in particular, the league has turned a corner in terms of fan interest, commercial success and player popularity.
“I mean, all the arrows are pointing up when it comes to the WNBA, and as someone who’s been involved since the early days, as we now enter our 30th season, I couldn’t be more proud. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of this movement.”
