The WNBA is at a critical juncture, and a return to the status quo is not the most prudent choice the league could make. It first started with veteran Napheesa Collier openly blasting commissioner Cathy Engelbert over accountability issues, but it has only gone worse with each comment from the players involved.
While she ousted Engelbert from any conversation with her bold take, Collier had all the reasons to cancel a planned meeting with the league’s top woman. However, NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently tried to back Cathy up, but Satou Sabally kept him in check over his “too personal” comment on the ongoing WNBA CBA negotiations.
Satou Sabally Replies To NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s WNBA CBA Comment
The Phoenix Mercury forward, co-chair of the WNBPA CBA committee, responded sharply to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s recent remarks on WNBA labor talks. Silver previously called the negotiations “too personal” amid growing tensions between players and WNBA leadership.
However, Sabally agreed on the personal nature but flipped the script, clarifying why it must stay that way. Sabally’s response emerged during Tuesday’s practice before Game 3 at Footprint Center. Silver, speaking Monday at NBC Sports, acknowledged the WNBA’s “growing pains” while urging a new deal.
“The WNBA wants to forbid us from making a lot more money. We make more money in China, Russia (and) Turkey than here. … It is very personal, I don’t (know) why it shouldn’t become personal,” Sabally told reporters while clarifying the negotiations feel “very personal” because they dictate players’ financial futures, not just careers.
#Mercury Satou Sabally on NBA commissioner Adam Silver saying dialogue in #wnba contract negotiations is becoming “too personal” pic.twitter.com/s1ztAb1gBe
— jeffmetcalfe (@jeffmetcalfe) October 7, 2025
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However, players currently take home just 9.3 percent of revenue, far below the NBA’s 50 percent. Overseas play in China, Russia, and Turkey offers high six-figure deals that dwarf WNBA maxes of around $249,000.
Sabally, earning $215,000 this season, noted how these talks shape lives beyond basketball. With the CBA expiring on October 31, a prolonged Finals could bolster players’ leverage.
Satou Sabally Warned WNBA Ahead Of Potential Lockout
While she was done giving it back to the NBA commissioner, the Mercury star set her firm stance ahead of the approaching October 31 CBA deadline. Recently, Sabally issued a stark warning during one of her interviews.
“Obviously, it will be very interesting to see if the league finally makes an effort to show us that they value us or see where their employees will go,” Sabally said.
Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally on the potential WNBA lockout looming.
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) October 7, 2025
“It would be very interesting to see if the league finally makes an effort into showing us that they value us or seeing where their employees will go.”#WNBA pic.twitter.com/Df0SxSDSCG
This came amid Finals prep, with Phoenix eyeing a comeback from 0-2 down. The WNBPA opted out early in 2025, signaling lockout readiness if talks stall. No progress has surfaced since, despite Silver’s optimism.