The WNBA Board of Governors unanimously approves a new CBA agreement after the WNBPA approves the same, with more than 90% of the voting in favor of the new terms. This marks the end of the CBA discussions as the newly signed document will come into effect from April 1, once both parties’ representatives and signing authorities complete the last step.
Amid this, Adam Silver received huge criticism for distancing himself from the CBA talks, which highlighted his refusal to take responsibility.
WNBA Analyst Criticizes Adam Silver For ‘No Participation’ In CBA Discussions
The WNBA receives backing from the NAB, and both Commissioners work together to ensure smooth working of the ‘W’. Even though the league comes under Cathy Engelbert’s authority, Adam Silver also has major say in many critical decisions, and during the CBA’s discussions, he took a much more passive role.
In her recent appearance on the podcast, analyst Annie Constabile slammed the NBA commissioner for his handling of the situation. She mentioned, “I think he bears the majority of the responsibility. You’re the leader, and you – through every step of this – have communicated that in various ways, right? Never outwardly, but it’s always been communicated in various ways that Adam, at the end of the day, is the voice of all voices,”
But she then credited the commissioner for keeping the league alive, too. Adding to her analysis, Constabile said, “I think what we struggled to do with the WNBA is hold two truths at the same time. David Stern deserves a lot of credit for making this league a reality. Adam Silver deserves a lot of credit for ensuring it continues.”
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
During the discussions, the WNBPA president, Nneka Ogwumike, also blasted Adam Silver over WNBA CBA Negotiation comments, hinting that the players don’t have a sense of urgency. The president will be happy to announce a new mega deal, though, as the draft will be ready in the coming days.
WNBA Players Receive Mega Package In New CBA
The 2026 WNBA CBA, as mentioned and highlighted by the commissioner, represents a historic shift in the economic structure of women’s professional basketball, driven by massive growth in media rights and league popularity. Running through 2032, the seven-year deal centers on a transformative increase in player compensation.
Under the new terms, the team’s salary cap will leap from approximately $1.5 million in 2025 to $7 million in 2026, eventually projected to exceed $10 million. This spike allows for the league’s first million-dollar salaries, with the “supermax” base pay jumping from roughly $250,000 to $1.4 million. Overall, average player compensation will rise to over $500,000 as the league moves toward a more equitable revenue-sharing model that grants players nearly 20% of average league revenue.
More details on the new CBA, including the rookie minimum which starts at $270,000. The minimum for players with 10+ YOS will be $300,000 in 2026.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) March 19, 2026
Housing, I've learned, will be provided for all players for the first three years.
Latest: https://t.co/w7lDBJTJ28
Beyond the financial figures, the CBA codifies essential “quality of life” improvements that players have championed for years. Most notably, charter travel for all teams—a practice expanded in 2024—is now a permanent, mandatory standard. The agreement also addresses the unique needs of professional female athletes by significantly expanding family planning benefits and providing housing for all players during the first three years of the deal.
Furthermore, teams will now have to follow higher professional standards regarding support staff, including dedicated medical, nutrition, and training specialists. By combining massive salary increases with modernized travel and health benefits, this CBA solidifies the WNBA’s position as a premier global sports league and ensures that the players directly benefit from its unprecedented commercial success.