NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has provided a clear signal of optimism for WNBA players, stating that they are set to receive a “big increase” in their salaries as negotiations for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement intensify, with the current deal expiring on October 31st.
The landscape of professional women’s basketball is on the cusp of a significant shift, as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has publicly stated his expectation for WNBA players to receive substantial raises in their upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA). With the current labor pact set to expire on October 31, 2025, the comments from one of basketball’s most influential figures inject considerable momentum into the ongoing negotiations. Silver’s remarks, made during an appearance on NBC’s “Today” show ahead of the NBA season’s opening doubleheader, underscored a belief that WNBA players “deserve” a significant boost in compensation.
This development comes as the WNBA continues to experience unprecedented growth in popularity, drawing increased viewership and fan engagement. The future of player compensation has been a central point of discussion and advocacy within the league, reflecting a broader movement for equitable pay in women’s sports. The league, which is 42% owned by the NBA, with its commissioner reporting to Silver, is at a pivotal moment, aiming for a deal that can sustain and accelerate its impressive trajectory.
Understanding the ‘Big Increase’: Absolute Numbers Over Revenue Share
When pressed on whether WNBA players should command a larger percentage of the league’s revenue—a common point of comparison to their NBA counterparts—Adam Silver offered a nuanced perspective. He clarified that simply looking at “share” isn’t the most accurate approach given the vast difference in revenue between the two leagues.
“I think ‘share’ isn’t the right way to look at it because there’s so much more revenue in the NBA,” Silver explained. “I think you should look at it in absolute numbers in terms of what they’re making, and they are going to get a big increase in this cycle of collective bargaining, and they deserve it.” This statement signals a commitment to improving the players’ financial standing in real terms, rather than a direct proportional match to NBA revenue percentages, which would be challenging due to differing league scales. The original comments were reported by Reuters.
Players’ Persistent Advocacy for a Transformative Deal
The call for higher compensation is not new. WNBA players have been vocal about their demands, using significant platforms to champion their cause. During the league’s All-Star game in July, players notably warmed up in T-shirts emblazoned with slogans such as “pay us what you owe us,” a clear message about their dissatisfaction with current salary levels. Fans echoed this sentiment, cheering “pay them!” after games, demonstrating widespread support for the players’ efforts. These actions highlight the players’ united front and the perceived inadequacy of the previous labor pact, which was once considered a landmark deal for women’s sports but is now seen as woefully behind the league’s surge in popularity.
According to AP News, players explicitly exercised their right to opt out of the current CBA last year, signaling their intent to pursue a new agreement that includes:
- Increased revenue sharing
- Higher base salaries
- Improved benefits
- A softer salary cap
These priorities, articulated by WNBPA Vice President Napheesa Collier, aim to create a more equitable and sustainable financial model for athletes in the league. Currently, standard base salaries in the WNBA range from $66,079 to $249,244, with teams operating under a salary cap of $1,507,100, as reported by the Associated Press.
The Revenue Gap: WNBA vs. Other Major Leagues
The conversation around “revenue share” is particularly pertinent when examining the financial structures across different sports. As noted by MarketWatch, WNBA players currently receive approximately 9.3% of the league’s total revenue. This includes income generated from ticket sales, television deals, licensing, and merchandise. This percentage stands in stark contrast to their counterparts in other major professional sports:
- NBA players receive 49-51% of all basketball-related income.
- NFL players get 48% of all revenue.
- NHL players receive 50% of revenue.
This significant disparity is a core reason why players are pushing for increased revenue sharing, aiming for a model that more closely aligns with the robust deals seen in other professional leagues, even if the absolute revenue figures remain different.
Confidence from League Leadership and Owners
Despite the looming deadline and the complexities of negotiations, there’s a palpable sense of optimism among league officials and team owners. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has openly expressed the league’s desire for a “transformative deal” that delivers substantial increases in both salaries and benefits. Engelbert, who navigated the previous CBA negotiations shortly after taking her role in 2019, believes an agreement is achievable, even suggesting that an extension might be an option if the October 31st deadline proves tight, as reported by USA TODAY Sports.
This sentiment is echoed by team owners. Mark Davis, who owns the reigning WNBA champion Las Vegas Aces and the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders, voiced his strong confidence in a positive resolution. “We’ll get it right,” Davis stated after the WNBA Finals concluded earlier this month. “I don’t think that there’s two sides to this. If we look at it as togetherness and trying to make the future better, I think that’s what we need to do.” Such statements from key stakeholders suggest a collective desire to avoid any disruption to the league’s current momentum.
The Future of the WNBA: Expansion and Anniversaries
The stakes are particularly high for the upcoming CBA, as any disruption could significantly impact the WNBA’s tremendous momentum. The 2026 season is poised to be a landmark year, marking the league’s 30th anniversary. It will also see the debut of two highly anticipated expansion clubs: the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo. The successful integration of these new franchises, along with future draft lotteries and free agency periods, is contingent upon a new labor agreement being in place. A deal that fairly compensates players is crucial not only for morale but also for attracting top talent and ensuring the long-term health and expansion of the league.
The fan community’s rallying cry of “Pay them!” at games and online reflects the widespread recognition that the players are the driving force behind the league’s appeal. Their advocacy, coupled with increasing league revenues and strategic ownership support, paints a promising picture for the future of WNBA player salaries. As the October 31st deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the negotiators, hoping for a “transformative deal” that truly reflects the growing value and impact of these elite athletes.
