NBA Commissioner Urges WNBA to Accelerate Labor Talks

Adam Silver warns of potential disruption to upcoming season if new CBA is not reached soon

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has urged the WNBA and its players' association to speed up labor negotiations in order to reach a new collective bargaining agreement and avoid any disruption to the upcoming WNBA season. Silver acknowledged the urgency, stating that the league and union are 'awfully close to the 11th hour' when it comes to bargaining. While he did not propose a firm deadline, he emphasized the need for increased pace to prevent a work stoppage.

Why it matters

The WNBA is experiencing unprecedented growth, with record attendance and viewership in the 2025 season. Reaching a new CBA that reflects the value of WNBA players is crucial to maintaining the league's positive momentum and continued expansion, including planned new franchises in Portland and Toronto.

The details

The main sticking point in the negotiations is revenue sharing, with players seeking around 30% of gross revenue while the league has offered over 70% of net revenue. This difference accounts for expenses like upgraded facilities, charter flights, hotels, medical services, security, and arena costs. Silver stated that WNBA players are expected to receive a 'large increase' in pay under the next CBA, and he expressed encouragement about recent discussions showing increased engagement between players and team owners.

  • The WNBA draft is scheduled for April 13, 2026.
  • WNBA training camps are expected to open roughly two months after the draft.

The players

Adam Silver

The NBA Commissioner who has urged the WNBA and its players' association to accelerate labor negotiations.

Nneka Ogwumike

The WNBA players' union president who has indicated a strike is not currently imminent, though it remains a possibility.

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What they’re saying

“We are awfully close to the 11th now when it comes to bargaining.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (newsy-today.com)

“WNBA players are expected to receive a 'large increase' in pay under the next CBA.”

— Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner (newsy-today.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

As the WNBA experiences unprecedented growth, reaching a new collective bargaining agreement that reflects the value of its players and secures the league's future will be critical. The ongoing labor negotiations highlight the need to balance player compensation with the league's operational costs and expansion plans.