NBA Commissioner Urges WNBA and Players' Union to Expedite CBA Negotiations

Silver warns of potential work stoppage if a deal is not reached soon before the new season starts.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has called on the WNBA and its players' association to increase the urgency in reaching a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) to avoid a potential work stoppage before the upcoming season. Silver emphasized the need to finalize the CBA, expansion draft, and collegiate draft in the limited time remaining before training camps are scheduled to open in about two months.

Why it matters

The WNBA has been experiencing record-breaking attendance and television audiences, and Silver is eager to maintain the league's momentum by ensuring a smooth start to the new season. A work stoppage could disrupt the league's progress and disappoint fans.

The details

According to Silver, 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 the gross revenue, while the league has offered over 70% of net revenue.

  • Training camps are scheduled to open in roughly two months.
  • The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13.
  • The expansion draft for the new franchises in Portland, Oregon, and Toronto has already been delayed due to the ongoing negotiations.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who is urging the WNBA and its players' association to expedite CBA negotiations.

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 (riverbender.com)

“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 (riverbender.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.