Breanna Stewart, star forward for the New York Liberty, revealed during a recent media session that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has not played a direct role in the ongoing WNBA collective bargaining talks. Despite Silver’s previous remarks about being heavily involved in negotiations nearing their final stages during the NBA All-Star Weekend, Stewart said he has not participated in any in-person or virtual bargaining meetings.
The WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) are currently working under a March 10 deadline for a term sheet to secure a full 2026 season. While Silver indicated that talks were at the “11th hour” and claimed to be engaged behind the scenes, Stewart’s statements on Monday at Unrivaled in New York suggest a different reality.
Breanna Stewart Highlights Lack of NBA Representation in Negotiations
As a member of the WNBPA executive committee, Stewart addressed reporters and clarified the role NBA leadership has—or has not—played. She emphasized that Commissioner Silver has been absent from all bargaining sessions, whether held face-to-face or through Zoom.
“has not been at the table”
Regarding Silver and NBA involvement, Stewart further remarked,
“I don’t know what’s what else is happening behind the scenes, but from our perspective, we haven’t seen them,”
indicating that any asserted behind-the-scenes activity remains unclear from the players’ standpoint. These comments cast doubt on the visible commitment of NBA leadership, despite earlier public claims.
Contradictions Between Public Statements and Player Experiences
During the NBA All-Star Weekend, Adam Silver conveyed optimism about the progress of the CBA talks and his engagement with the negotiations. However, Stewart’s firsthand account suggests Silver’s involvement has been largely symbolic rather than substantive. This discrepancy raises questions about the transparency and urgency from top NBA officials during critical talks affecting WNBA players’ futures.
Geoff Magliocchetti, reporting on Stewart’s statements, shared:
“Breanna Stewart had a good bit to say about CBA talks. She said Adam Silver hasn’t been involved despite his ’11th hour’ comments at All-Star Weekend ‘Adam has not been at the table in any of the in person or Zoom meetings. I don’t know what’s what else is happening behind the…'”
Potential Impact Amid Pressure for a New WNBA CBA Agreement
With the March 10 deadline fast approaching, the absence of NBA leadership from direct negotiations could complicate efforts to finalize a historic collective bargaining agreement offering significant financial advances for players. The WNBPA and the league are reportedly negotiating terms that could reshape compensation and working conditions for WNBA stars, including prominent players such as Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese, and Caitlin Clark.
Stewart’s remarks underscore a growing frustration among players who seek both acknowledgment and sustained commitment from NBA executives to support the league’s progression. The outcome of these talks will likely determine the quality and length of upcoming WNBA seasons as well as the league’s competitive and financial future.
Breanna Stewart talks WNBA CBA negotiations:
"If you look at… the union's deal, or the league's deal… both are not ready to be voted on. Because both need to be negotiated up or down, or in a number of ways." pic.twitter.com/4mcFg9wDaF
— Sportico (@Sportico) March 2, 2026
Breanna Stewart had a good bit to say about CBA talks. She said Adam Silver hasn’t been involved despite his “11th hour” comments at All-Star Weekend
“Adam has not been at the table in any of the in person or Zoom meetings. I don't know what's what else is happening behind the…
— Geoff Magliocchetti (@GeoffJMags) March 2, 2026
