INGLEWOOD, Calif. — NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has urged the WNBA and its players’ association to accelerate labor negotiations to ensure a timely agreement and avoid disruption to the upcoming season, scheduled to begin in early May.
Negotiations Intensify
Speaking during NBA All-Star weekend, Silver acknowledged the urgency, stating, “We are awfully close to the 11th now when it comes to bargaining.” While he did not propose a firm deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement, he emphasized the need for increased pace to prevent a perform stoppage.
The league submitted its latest proposal to the players’ union a week prior to Silver’s remarks, including minor increases in revenue sharing and concessions regarding housing. However, a significant gap remains on the central issue of revenue distribution.
Revenue Sharing Standoff
Players are seeking approximately 30% of the gross revenue, while the league has offered over 70% of net revenue. This difference accounts for expenses such as upgraded facilities, charter flights, five-star hotels, medical services, security, and arena costs.
Silver has stated that WNBA players are expected to receive a “large increase” in pay under the next CBA. He expressed encouragement regarding recent discussions, noting increased engagement between players and team owners.
The timeline for completing offseason business is tight. The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, and training camps are expected to begin roughly two months from that date. This necessitates completing both an expansion draft and a collegiate draft, alongside free agency, in addition to finalizing the collective bargaining agreement and its legal documentation.
While WNBA players’ union president Nneka Ogwumike has indicated a strike is not currently imminent, it remains a possibility. Silver stressed the importance of avoiding any disruption to the league’s momentum following a 2025 season marked by record attendance and television viewership.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary sticking point in the WNBA’s collective bargaining negotiations?
The main issue is revenue sharing, with players seeking roughly 30% of gross revenue and the league offering over 70% of net revenue.
What deadlines are looming for the WNBA?
The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, and training camps are expected to open roughly two months after that. The league also needs to complete an expansion draft.
What is Adam Silver’s role in the negotiations?
Silver stated he has not been directly at the negotiating table but remains “very involved behind the scenes” and wants to play a productive role in reaching a deal.
As the WNBA experiences unprecedented growth, will both sides be able to reach an agreement that reflects the value of its players and secures the league’s future?
