Silver Urges WNBA, Players to Accelerate CBA Talks

NBA Commissioner warns of potential work stoppage if new deal 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, warning that time is running out before the start of the new season in early May. Silver said he is 'very involved behind the scenes' and wants to 'play whatever role would be most productive' in getting a deal done, but stressed the need for a 'next level sense of urgency' to avoid a potential work stoppage that could derail the league's recent momentum.

Why it matters

The WNBA has seen record attendance and TV audiences in recent seasons, and Silver is eager to maintain that positive trajectory. A work stoppage could significantly disrupt the league's business operations and damage its growing popularity, making it crucial for the two sides to reach an agreement on a new CBA in time for the 2026 season.

The details

Silver said the WNBA delivered its latest proposal to the players' union a week ago, offering small increases in revenue sharing and concessions on housing issues. However, the league and players remain far apart on the key issue of revenue sharing, with the players seeking roughly 30% of gross revenue while the league has offered over 70% of net revenue. The negotiations have already delayed the expansion draft for new franchises in Portland and Toronto, and the WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, leaving little time to finalize a CBA before training camps open in roughly two months.

  • The WNBA delivered its latest CBA proposal to the players' union a week ago.
  • The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
  • WNBA training camps are scheduled to open in roughly two months.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who is urging the WNBA and its players' association to reach a new collective bargaining agreement quickly to avoid a potential work stoppage.

Nneka Ogwumike

The president of the WNBA players' union, who recently said 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 (audacy.com)

“I'm encouraged there has been more back and forth over the past few weeks. I think there's been more direct engagement from players and team owners. I have not been at the table, but I'm very involved behind the scenes. I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done. But again, I think we need to now move toward the next level sense of urgency and not lose momentum in terms of the amazing amount of progress we've seen in women's basketball.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (audacy.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.