Silver Urges WNBA, Players' Union to Accelerate CBA Talks

NBA Commissioner warns of potential work stoppage if negotiations don't progress faster

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 their collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, warning that a work stoppage could occur if a deal is not reached in time for the new season to begin as scheduled in early May.

Why it matters

The WNBA is coming off a highly successful 2025 season with record attendance and TV audiences, and Silver is eager to maintain the league's momentum. A work stoppage could disrupt the league's growth trajectory and disappoint fans.

The details

Silver did not propose a firm deadline but urged both sides to "move toward the next level sense of urgency." The WNBA recently delivered its latest proposal to the players' union, offering small increases in revenue sharing and concessions on housing issues, but the two sides remain far apart on the key issue of revenue sharing.

  • The WNBA's new season is scheduled to begin in early May 2026.
  • The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
  • The expansion draft for the new franchises in Portland, Oregon and Toronto has already been delayed due to the ongoing CBA negotiations.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner, who is urging the WNBA and its players' union to accelerate their CBA negotiations 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 (wbal.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 (wbal.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

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.