NBA Commissioner Urges WNBA and Players to Expedite CBA Negotiations

Silver warns of potential work stoppage if a deal is not reached soon

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has called on the WNBA and its players' association to increase their urgency in negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) before the start of the upcoming season. Silver expressed concern about the potential for a work stoppage if a deal is not reached in time, emphasizing the league's recent momentum and the need to avoid disrupting that progress.

Why it matters

The WNBA has seen a surge in popularity and commercial success in recent years, and a work stoppage could jeopardize that momentum. Both the league and the players' association have a vested interest in reaching an agreement that addresses key issues like revenue sharing and player compensation.

The details

Silver said the WNBA has delivered its latest proposal to the players' union, which includes small increases in revenue sharing and concessions on housing issues. However, the two sides remain far apart on the main issue of revenue sharing, with the players seeking around 30% of gross revenue while the league has offered over 70% of net revenue. Silver urged both sides to move with a greater sense of urgency to get a deal done, as the league faces tight deadlines for the expansion draft, collegiate draft, and free agency.

  • The WNBA's new season is scheduled to begin in early May.
  • Training camps are set to open in roughly two months.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who is calling for expedited CBA negotiations between the WNBA and its players' association.

Nneka Ogwumike

The president of the WNBA players' union, who recently stated that a strike is not imminent but remains a possibility.

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What they’re saying

“What I'd love to accomplish is sort of putting pressure on everybody. I've been through so many cycles of collective bargaining, and often things tend to get done at the 11th hour. We are awfully close to the 11th now when it comes to bargaining.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (Newser)

“I think it's unfortunate where we find ourselves right now, both from the team standpoint and from the players. We're coming off tremendous momentum in the WNBA. It's not lost on anyone. I feel like in the last few years in particular, the league has turned a corner in terms of fan interest, commercial success, popularity of players. All arrows are pointing up in terms of the WNBA.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (Newser)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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