Adam Silver urges WNBA, players' union to work faster on CBA negotiations to avoid a work stoppage - AP News
AP News
February 15, 2026
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Adam Silver, the NBA’s commissioner, has called on the WNBA and its players’ union to accelerate their Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations to prevent a potential work stoppage. Speaking at the annual MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, Silver emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement quickly to maintain the league’s momentum and avoid disruptions that could harm its growth. He acknowledged the complexity of the talks but urged both sides to prioritize collaboration and compromise.
The WNBA has been working on a new CBA for months, with key issues including revenue sharing, player compensation, and scheduling. While progress has been made, Silver highlighted the need for both parties to address remaining differences expediently. He expressed confidence in the partnership between the league and its players but stressed that delays could lead to uncertainty and frustration among stakeholders.
Silver’s remarks come as the WNBA continues to gain popularity, with increased media coverage and fan engagement. A work stoppage would not only impact the season but could also damage the league’s reputation and long-term plans. By urging faster negotiations, Silver is signaling the importance of stability for the WNBA’s ongoing success. The situation underscores the delicate balance between player interests and league operations, making it a critical moment in the sport’s history.
This development matters to sports fans and industry stakeholders, as a potential work stoppage would disrupt theWNBA’s schedule and overshadow its progress. Fans, broadcasters, and sponsors are all invested in ensuring the league remains competitive and profitable. By working together, the WNBA and players’ union can avoid such disruptions and focus on building a brighter future for women’s basketball.
Ultimately, Silver’s plea reflects the broader challenges faced by sports leagues worldwide when renegotiating CBAs. The outcome of these negotiations will set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. With both sides aiming to strike a fair deal, the hope is that they can achieve a mutually beneficial agreement without any interruptions to the season.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/15/2026