Adam Silver has broken his silence in the growing storm between WNBA players and league leadership, delivering a pointed message to stars like Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier about the urgency of repairing relationships.
His comments suggest the dispute over the next collective bargaining agreement (CBA) has unearthed fractures deeper than contract terms.
Silver admitted that the current standoff involves more than just money: “There are issues that we need to address with our players, not just economic, there are relationship issues as well.”
He asserted his confidence that a new CBA would be reached: “We will get a deal done with the players, lots of work left to be done. But we’ll, of course, get a new collective bargaining deal done.”
Engelbert criticism and controversy
Silver’s interjection comes in the aftermath of blistering criticism directed at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert by Collier.
In her exit interview, Collier claimed Engelbert told her that “Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”
She further alleged that Engelbert said players “should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that (she) got them.” Engelbert has denied making those comments but acknowledged she must improve.
At the heart of Silver’s message is accountability. He called the situation “unfortunate,” especially as it unfolds during the WNBA Finals – a time when attention should center on performance, not politics.
He noted that tensions have become “too personal.” He also praised Engelbert’s role in guiding the league through a period of rapid growth but stopped short of shielding her from criticism.
What Silver frames as “relationship issues” stem from more than angry words. They reflect a power dynamic where players feel undervalued despite fueling the league’s growth.
The contrast between the WNBA’s revenue surge – fueled in part by stars like Clark, Reese, and Collier – and the compensation structure has drawn growing scrutiny.
Players point to the fact that they receive a small share of league revenue, especially when compared with NBA norms.
Collier’s denouncement of Engelbert’s alleged remarks struck a nerve across the league.
She called the league’s leadership “tone-deaf” and “dismissive,” and denounced the WNBA as having “the worst leadership in the world.” Many other players soon gave public backing, reinforcing the sense of collective discontent.
Silver could make the difference
Silver’s attempt to mediate carries symbolic weight: he is positioned as a bridge figure – someone the players reportedly feel comfortable approaching.
As noted, players often point to their access to Silver as a counterbalance to their strained relationship with Engelbert. His unwillingness to sideline the interpersonal dimensions of this dispute suggests that resolving these underlying tensions may be just as essential as hashing out salary numbers.
The looming deadline-October 31, when the current CBA expires-adds urgency. The league and Players Association are under pressure to finalize a new agreement or risk disruptions like a lockout or extension.
But Silver’s message cautions that any deal that ignores misalignment in trust, respect, and communication may be brittle from the start.
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