Adam Silver expresses confidence in WNBA growth amid players’ criticism of Cathy Engelbert
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI Global Desk | Oct 08, 2025, 00:12 IST
NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about finalizing a new WNBA collective bargaining agreement despite growing tensions between players and league leadership. Following Napheesa Collier’s harsh criticism of commissioner Cathy Engelbert, Silver acknowledged relationship issues within the league but praised its rapid growth, saying he’s confident the WNBA will overcome challenges and continue progressing.
Following the recent criticism of the league's leadership by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, the NBA Commissioner expressed confidence in a new collective bargaining deal being reached, but acknowledged that relationship issues must be addressed, as players have voiced frustration with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The situation got really tense last week after the Minnesota Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier stated the league’s leadership as “worst in the world” during her exit interview after the Lynx’s playoff loss.
Speaking on Monday, the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, said, “There’s no question that the WNBA is going through growing pains, and it’s unfortunate that it’s coming just as their most important games and their finals are on right now.” He continued, “We’ve had two fantastic games so far, and we want to celebrate the game at the moment, and then we’ve got to sit down with the players and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.”
The current collective agreement will expire at the end of this month, and it remains unclear whether the new deal will be finalised before or after October 31. The players' association and negotiators of the league are expected to resume their talks this week to discuss these matters.
The WNBA has seen significant growth recently with a sudden surge in popularity, and the players are seeking major reforms. The players communicated their frustration towards WNBA commissioner Engelbert, just not as intensely as Collier.
Speaking about the league's progress and acknowledging the players' concern, Silver said, “Cathy Engelbert has presided over historic growth in the league, but there’s no question that there are issues that we need to address with our players, not just economic.” he added, “There’s relationship issues as well. I’m confident we can fix those over time, and this league can continue to be on the rocket trajectory that it’s on right now.”
The situation got really tense last week after the Minnesota Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier stated the league’s leadership as “worst in the world” during her exit interview after the Lynx’s playoff loss.
Speaking on Monday, the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, said, “There’s no question that the WNBA is going through growing pains, and it’s unfortunate that it’s coming just as their most important games and their finals are on right now.” He continued, “We’ve had two fantastic games so far, and we want to celebrate the game at the moment, and then we’ve got to sit down with the players and negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement.”
The current collective agreement will expire at the end of this month, and it remains unclear whether the new deal will be finalised before or after October 31. The players' association and negotiators of the league are expected to resume their talks this week to discuss these matters.
The WNBA has seen significant growth recently with a sudden surge in popularity, and the players are seeking major reforms. The players communicated their frustration towards WNBA commissioner Engelbert, just not as intensely as Collier.
Speaking about the league's progress and acknowledging the players' concern, Silver said, “Cathy Engelbert has presided over historic growth in the league, but there’s no question that there are issues that we need to address with our players, not just economic.” he added, “There’s relationship issues as well. I’m confident we can fix those over time, and this league can continue to be on the rocket trajectory that it’s on right now.”