NBA Commissioner Presses WNBA and Players' Union to Accelerate Labor Talks
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has issued a public call for heightened urgency in the ongoing labor negotiations between the WNBA and its players' association. Speaking during the NBA All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, Silver emphasized the need to finalize a collective bargaining agreement promptly to prevent a work stoppage and ensure the new season commences as scheduled in early May.
Time Pressure Mounts as Key Deadlines Approach
While Silver did not impose a firm deadline, he stressed that the negotiations are approaching a critical juncture. "We are awfully close to the 11th now when it comes to bargaining," Silver remarked, referencing the typical last-minute nature of such agreements. He expressed a desire to "put pressure on everybody" to expedite the process, drawing from his extensive experience with collective bargaining cycles.
The urgency is compounded by several impending league events:
- The expansion draft for new franchises in Toronto and Portland, Oregon, has already been delayed.
- The WNBA draft is slated for April 13.
- Training camps are scheduled to open approximately two months from now.
Silver highlighted the logistical challenges, noting, "We have to get not one, but two drafts done. We have an expansion draft and a collegiate draft, and then we need to fit in free agency." He added that once an agreement is reached, legal formalities will require additional time to finalize the deal.
Sticking Points in Revenue Sharing and Player Compensation
The core dispute centers on revenue sharing. According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the players are seeking approximately 30% of gross revenue, while the league has proposed over 70% of net revenue. This net figure accounts for expenses such as:
- Upgraded facilities
- Charter flights
- Five-star hotels
- Medical services and security
- Arena costs
Despite the gap, Silver has previously indicated that WNBA players will receive a "big increase" in pay under the next collective bargaining agreement. The league recently submitted a proposal offering modest increases in revenue sharing and concessions on housing issues, but significant differences remain.
Momentum at Stake Amid Record Growth
Silver underscored the high stakes, pointing to the WNBA's remarkable recent growth. The 2025 season saw record-breaking attendance and television viewership, signaling a surge in popularity and commercial success. "All arrows are pointing up in terms of the WNBA," Silver stated, warning that a work stoppage could derail this positive momentum.
He expressed encouragement at the increased engagement between players and team owners in recent weeks but called for a "next level sense of urgency" to maintain progress. While not directly participating at the bargaining table, Silver confirmed his active involvement behind the scenes, aiming to facilitate a resolution.
WNBA players' union president Nneka Ogwumike has indicated that a strike is not imminent but remains a possibility. Silver urged both sides to exhaust all efforts to avoid a disruption, emphasizing the league's pivotal moment. "I think it's unfortunate where we find ourselves right now," he said, acknowledging the shared desire to capitalize on the WNBA's ascending trajectory.
