Even after closing the season with strong momentum, the WNBA finds itself facing more questions than celebrations. The league and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association remain far apart on a new collective bargaining agreement. Fans had hoped for good news during All-Star Weekend, when both sides met in person, but no deal was reached.
That was three months ago. Since then, updates have been limited and optimism has faded. Comments from star forward Napheesa Collier briefly inspired hope, but another canceled meeting and rising tension brought the conversation back to square one. Now, a new controversy has stolen the spotlight.
During a press conference before NBA Opening Night, Commissioner Adam Silver was asked about the WNBA players’ push for a revenue-sharing model. His answer immediately drew attention. “I think share isn’t the right way to look at it because there’s so much more revenue in the NBA. They’re going to get a big increase in this cycle of collective bargaining, and they deserve it.” What sounded to some like realism came across to many as dismissive.
Social Media Reacts: “Don’t Want to Share, Adam?”
Not long after his remarks, the WNBPA posted an Instagram story that read, “Don’t want to share, @adamsilvernba?” The message was short but sharp. Within hours, fans flooded social media with angry reactions and memes.
One fan wrote, “We’re never getting a new CBA,” capturing the exhaustion many followers feel about the slow pace of negotiations. Another added, “The NBA and WNBA are a disgrace to the players of the W. I hope all the players stand firm.”
Analysts joined the discussion too. WNBA reporter Sara Jane Gamelli commented that “revenue share is absolutely an issue. ‘Share isn’t the right way to look at it.’ That’s exactly the problem.” Her post echoed a sentiment shared by many: that Silver’s comments ignored the heart of the debate.
I think share isn’t the right way to look at it because there’s so much more revenue in the NBA
Currently, WNBA players receive about 9 to 10 percent of the league’s revenue, while NBA players split theirs evenly with team owners. To fans and players, that gap feels like a symbol of a larger imbalance.
The Bigger Picture for the WNBA
In the past two seasons, the WNBA has broken viewership records and expanded its fan base. Attendance rose by more than 25 percent, and interest from sponsors continues to climb. Financially, however, the league still operates at a loss, with reports estimating around 40 million dollars in red ink last year, as detailed by Sports Business Journal.
Supporters argue that progress takes time, but critics point to Silver’s tone as part of the problem. They say it reflects a pattern of downplaying the players’ demands instead of working toward transparency and equity.
The NBA still owns about 42 percent of the WNBA, which makes Silver’s involvement significant even if he holds no official role in its daily operations. His words carry weight, and this time, they may have added more tension to already fragile negotiations.
The current CBA is set to expire next October. Without a deal soon, the WNBA risks losing its momentum and facing the kind of labor dispute that could stall its rise. For now, the players appear united, and the fans are watching closely, waiting to see whether their league’s progress continues or hits another wall.
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