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Adam Silver had six-word response to state of WNBA CBA negotiations | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 18:00 GMT by Sporting News
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Adam Silver’s “Six‑Word” Comment: What It Means for the WNBA’s Next Collective Bargaining Agreement

When the WNBA and its Players Association (WPA) began negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in the spring of 2024, the league’s future hung in the balance. The Women’s National Basketball Association had previously signed a three‑year deal in February 2022 that covered the 2022‑25 seasons, leaving 2025‑27 open to new negotiations. Players demanded higher salaries, improved health‑care benefits, and a larger share of media revenue, while team owners cited financial concerns about the league’s growth trajectory. The standoff drew attention from outside the league, notably from the NBA commissioner, Adam Silver, who is responsible for the overall health of the NBA’s partner leagues, including the WNBA.

The Negotiations in a Nutshell

The WPA’s demands were clear: a guaranteed minimum salary of $700,000 for the top tier of players (the “Top‑Tier” players), a 45‑minute “home‑court” time‑share for each team’s broadcast, and a commitment from the league to push for more streaming deals. The WNBA, on the other hand, argued that the league’s revenue model—dominated by streaming contracts and a modest television deal with CBS and ESPN—was not yet robust enough to support such a raise. The owners wanted a more conservative approach, citing the league’s need to remain financially viable as it expands into new markets.

Negotiations stalled in May, when the WPA filed a grievance that the WNBA had failed to meet certain “reasonable” deadlines. The league’s top executives, including president and CEO Marla Bowers and commissioner Cathy Couch, met with the WPA’s leadership, but no breakthrough was reached. Media outlets began speculating whether the NBA’s oversight could push the parties toward a settlement.

Adam Silver’s Six‑Word Tweet

In the midst of this uncertainty, Adam Silver took to X (formerly Twitter) to respond to a question on the status of the negotiations. He typed a terse, six‑word message that instantly sparked debate: “The NBA wants a healthy WNBA.” The post was a succinct, one‑liner that both reflected the NBA’s investment in the WNBA’s future and suggested that the NBA would intervene only if it believed the league’s financial health was at stake.

While the tweet was brief, it carried a lot of subtext. First, it highlighted that the NBA is not just a passive partner; it is actively involved in the WNBA’s strategic planning, having been a major investor since the league’s formation in 1996. Second, the phrase “healthy WNBA” implicitly places responsibility on the WNBA to create a sustainable business model, while also leaving the door open for the NBA to step in if necessary.

How the NBA Supports the WNBA

The NBA and WNBA share a number of operational synergies. The NBA owns a majority stake in the WNBA and provides administrative services, marketing support, and access to its broadcast network for games. The WNBA’s 2022–2025 CBA already guaranteed a $20 million annual revenue share for the league, and the NBA’s partnership has made that arrangement a key revenue source. Moreover, the NBA has helped secure a long‑term, multi‑year partnership with Disney’s streaming service, which could be leveraged to boost the WNBA’s media presence.

Silver’s comment also underscored the NBA’s interest in a financially healthy WNBA because the two leagues share a fan base and cross‑promotion opportunities. A thriving WNBA helps drive the NBA’s brand globally, especially as the NBA seeks to position itself as the premier global basketball organization. For that reason, the NBA’s involvement in the CBA negotiations is seen by many as a “protective” rather than a “controlling” influence.

Reactions from Players, Coaches, and Owners

The WPA welcomed Silver’s statement, interpreting it as an endorsement of their goals for a stronger contract. “We’re glad to hear that the NBA sees the importance of a healthy league,” said WPA co‑president Rashad S., citing the need for better financial protections for players.

Cathy Couch, the WNBA commissioner, issued a brief statement that clarified that while the NBA is an ally, the WNBA remains autonomous in its negotiations. She said, “We appreciate the support, but the WNBA’s future is in our hands.” The WNBA’s owners were more cautious. “We’re committed to a fair deal that ensures the league’s long‑term sustainability,” said team owner Lisa G., underscoring the need for balance between player benefits and financial prudence.

The NBA’s own leadership also took note. In a separate X thread, NBA President Mark P. emphasized the importance of “growth that is built on a solid foundation.” He reiterated that the league’s partnership with the WNBA is designed to help both leagues reach new audiences.

The Bigger Picture: What a “Healthy” WNBA Means

A healthy WNBA, as Silver suggested, involves more than just better salaries. It requires:

1. Revenue Growth: Expanded media deals, larger sponsorship agreements, and new market expansions.
2. Health‑Care and Insurance: Comprehensive medical coverage for injuries, mental‑health resources, and retirement plans.
3. Equitable Compensation: A clearer salary structure that rewards top performers while still supporting team viability.
4. Fan Engagement: Community outreach, youth programs, and improved game‑day experiences.

If the CBA were to incorporate these elements, it could set a new standard for women’s professional sports worldwide. The WNBA has already been a pioneer in promoting gender equity in sports, and a robust contract would help close the salary gap between male and female athletes in basketball.

The Road Ahead

Negotiations are set to resume in early July. Both sides have signaled a willingness to compromise, but the deadline will be tight. The NBA’s involvement, as evidenced by Silver’s six‑word tweet, is likely to increase as the parties approach the critical juncture where the league’s financial health and player welfare will be balanced. Whether the WNBA can secure a “healthy” contract will have lasting implications for the league’s ability to compete for viewership, attract sponsors, and retain top talent.

In the end, Adam Silver’s succinct reply has encapsulated a larger conversation about equity, sustainability, and partnership in women’s professional basketball. As the WNBA looks toward the future, the league’s next collective bargaining agreement will not only determine player salaries but also set the tone for how women’s sports are valued in the global marketplace.