The ongoing collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBA and its players remain at an impasse, despite commitments from both sides to protect the 2026 season and find common ground. During the NBAAll-Star weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver shared his thoughts on the stalled talks and emphasized the need for increased urgency in finalizing an agreement.
Adam Silver Calls for Accelerated Efforts in WNBA Negotiations
At a press conference during the All-Star weekend, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed his desire to intensify pressure on all involved parties to advance the WNBA CBA negotiations. He stated,
“I would love to do is put pressure on everyone”
and added that
“we need to now move toward the next level of sense of urgency.”
Silver acknowledged progress, noting,
“I’m encouraged there has been more back-and-forth over the past few weeks,”
while highlighting increased engagement from players and team owners. Though not present at the negotiation table, Silver emphasized his behind-the-scenes involvement, adding,
“I want to play whatever role would be most productive in getting a deal done.”
He cautioned against losing momentum amid the advancements the league has made in women’s basketball.
WNBA Players’ Union President Challenges Silver’s Characterization of Urgency
Contrasting with Silver’s call for renewed urgency, WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike pushed back on his remarks during an episode of the Flagrant and Funny with Cari Champion & Jemele Hill podcast. Ogwumike highlighted the players’ persistent commitment, saying,
“I actually was a little bit confused when Adam [Silver] said that because as players, we have certainly had a sense of urgency, so much so that we’ve moved a substantial amount on this portion of the agreement that we know is going to allow everything else to fall in place.”
The primary point of contention referenced by Ogwumike centers on revenue sharing, the key sticking point in negotiations. According to HighPostHoops,
“The issue of revenue sharing has been the central cause for the players throughout months of negotiation with the league. The players are demanding approximately 30 percent of revenue share, while the WNBA has so far offered around 15 percent. There’s a big difference between the two percentages, and the players have so far made it clear they don’t intend to budge.”
Ogwumike explained that while initial player demands stood at 40 percent of revenue share, they significantly reduced their proposal to roughly 28 percent by December. She criticized the league for its slow response and minimal movement, stating,
Image of: Nneka Ogwumike
“Over time, we’ve come down, and we’ve come down to degrees that are not equivalent or equitable to how the league has been proposing. So, when we gave our proposal in December, we had come down to somewhere closer to 28 percent, and that was where we had not heard a response for about six weeks until, I believe, this last Friday. And, quite frankly, the league’s first proposal had the player share at less than 13, and they’re still stuck at 14.5. It’s not even at 15. So, to come back six weeks later, and that’s still where they’re at doesn’t demonstrate a sense of urgency from them.”
WNBA Fans Rally Behind Players, Express Support for Ogwumike’s Update
Fans responded strongly to Ogwumike’s candid remarks, voicing widespread support across social media platforms. Commenters appreciated hearing directly from someone involved in the negotiations and expressed sympathy for the players’ position. As one fan explained,
“I am a Valkyries Season ticket holder, and I hope these athletes hold out for what they deserve and need. Millionaires and Billionaires are only going to look out for one thing, their profits!”
Another viewer remarked,
“Good to hear the latest on WNBA negotiations direct from someone involved in those negotiations.”
Many echoed the sentiment that the players are being undervalued, with one commenter stating,
“It is so helpful to hear from Neke Ogwumike because she helps us to understand the position of the players by giving us the facts about what and why the players are asking for in their negotiations for their new contract, what has been offered and what is still wanted…The percentage the owners are offering is far from fair at this point for sure. I hope the team can be satisfied.”
Some fans urged the players to take stronger action, including a strike, to compel owners and investors to meet their demands. One supporter warned,
“They will never pay you what you deserve unless you call a strike and stop waiting around like you are weak.”
Another added,
“You messed up with 28%. They do not value you. Next proposal go up to 38% and that’s your base. Us fans aren’t spending money to back you for no 28%.”
Adam Silver’s Role and the NBA’s Financial Relationship with the WNBA
The WNBA has experienced significant growth in business over the past decade but still depends heavily on financial backing from the NBA. Adam Silver has acknowledged he is not directly involved at the negotiation table, yet he exerts considerable influence behind the scenes. Ownership in the WNBA is divided among NBA team owners holding 42 percent, the NBA itself owning another 42 percent, and investors holding the remaining 16 percent from a $75 million capital injection in 2022.
NBA owners control six of the 14 WNBA franchises, effectively giving them influence over more than 60 percent of the league. This highlights the NBA’s vested interest in the success of the women’s league. The possibility of a players’ strike is unsettling for these investors, especially following the two most profitable seasons in WNBA history. There appears to be little appetite on the ownership side for any disruption, as many seek to recoup their investments and maintain the momentum.
Players Maintain Firm Stance Amid Potential Losses and Strike Considerations
Despite growing pressure and calls for compromise, WNBA players have not abandoned their negotiating position, remaining prepared to threaten a strike — a prospect unprecedented in the league’s history. The public is gaining more visibility into financial figures, though many details remain undisclosed. The players’ union insists on protecting the league’s future, refusing to sacrifice the financial equity of current and future athletes.
WNBA star Caitlin Clark, previously silent throughout the negotiations, voiced support for the player position earlier in January. Meanwhile, a midnight statement from the WNBA raised alarms by claiming the WNBPA’s latest proposal could cause “hundreds of millions” in losses. However, the league has yet to provide financial documents or explain the basis of these projected losses. According to a post on X,
“the WNBA claimed the WNBPA’s latest proposal would result in ‘hundreds of millions’ in losses. The WNBA has never shared its financial records or provided clarity on the calculation used to determine these projected losses.”
Ogwumike has assured that the players will respond shortly to the league’s most recent proposal, signaling ongoing negotiations despite the impasse.
In a midnight statement the WNBA claimed the WNBPA's latest proposal would result in "hundreds of millions" in losses
The WNBA has never shared its financial records or provided clarity on the calculation used to determine these projected losses. https://t.co/F6HOTI5hea
