WNBA Labor Negotiations Continue as Adam Silver Urges Urgency Without Setting Deadline
Collective Bargaining Agreement - NBA Commissioner Adam Silver emphasizes the need for accelerated progress in WNBA labor talks as the May 8 season opener approaches, with significant gaps remaining between league and players' proposals on revenue sharing and salary structures.
Feb 14, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks to the media during a press conference before 2026 NBA All Star Saturday Night at Intuit Dome. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Photo Credit : Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The WNBA‘s collective bargaining negotiations have reached a critical juncture as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver calls for increased urgency while stopping short of imposing a hard deadline. Speaking at his annual news conference during NBA All-Star Weekend in Inglewood, California, Silver acknowledged the mounting pressure as the scheduled May 8 opening night approaches.
« What I would love to do is put pressure on everyone, » Silver said. « Often, things tend to get done at the 11th hour. We’re getting awfully close to the 11th hour when it comes to bargaining. »
Progress amid persistent divisions
For the first time since December, negotiations appear to be gaining momentum, though substantial disagreements remain between the league and players’ association. Silver expressed cautious optimism about recent developments while emphasizing his behind-the-scenes involvement.
« I’m encouraged that there has been more back-and-forth over the past few weeks, » Silver noted. « I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done. I think we need to now move toward the next level of sense of urgency and not lose momentum in terms of the amazing amount of progress we’ve seen in women’s basketball. »
The league’s February 6 proposal included concessions on housing and facility standards but maintained its position on revenue sharing. The WNBA has proposed that players receive over 70% of net revenue, with a $5.65 million salary cap in 2026, up dramatically from roughly $1.5 million in 2025. Maximum salaries, including revenue share payouts, would reach $1.3 million in 2026 and approach $2 million by 2031, compared to the current $249,000 supermax.
Strike authorization looms over talks
The players’ association maintains a significantly different vision, proposing a $10.5 million salary cap and demanding 30% of gross revenue before expenses are deducted. Multiple sources indicate the league projects the union’s plan would result in $700 million in losses during the agreement period, potentially jeopardizing financial stability. However, union sources believe their revenue sharing model still positions the league profitably.
In December, the WNBPA granted its executive committee strike authorization, though executive committee treasurer Brianna Turner recently downplayed immediate concerns. « It’s not imminent at this point, » Turner told ESPN last week. « It’s still early February, like we’re still going. So, I feel like we’re still in a waiting game at the moment. »
The WNBPA has not yet responded to the league’s most recent proposal, leaving both sides in a delicate balance between maintaining momentum and protecting their respective positions as the season deadline approaches.
Sylvain Sultat follows the NBA on a daily basis, covering individual performances, team dynamics, and the league's greatest stories. On Be-Basketball, he breaks down the latest American basketball news with passion and consistency, always on the lookout for the trends shaping the world of basketball.
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