NEW YORK — As negotiations continue between the WNBA and the WNBPA ahead of the CBA deadline at the end of the month, NBA Commissioner and WNBA overseer Adam Silver shared an update.
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May 22, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; NBA commissioner is Adam Silver presents Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (not pictured) with the Michael Jordan Trophy for winning the most valuable player award for the 2024-25 season before game two of the Western Conference Finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Silver said on the “Today” show that WNBA players will see an increase in their salaries next year, but he doesn’t believe “share” is the correct term to use.
“I think ‘share’ isn’t the right way to look at it,” Silver said. “Because there’s so much more revenue in the NBA. 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.”
Jul 9, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; The WNBA logo on the court at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Throughout the 2025 season, players have strongly advocated for better pay. The players’ association has emphasized the need for a fixed percentage of league revenue, noting that WNBA players currently receive about 9%, compared to the 50% shared by players in the NBA.
Silver’s statement could impact negotiations in real time as both sides revisit their positions. The WNBPA posted the following image to its Instagram account in response to Silver’s comments.
Latest IG story from the WNBPA on NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s remarks this morning pic.twitter.com/zI9CDdEHI3
— christan (no i), ß (@ChristanWNBA) October 21, 2025
Jul 19, 2025; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Team Collier forward Alyssa Thomas (25) before the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally, a union representative, has been vocal about the CBA, previously calling the league’s initial proposal “a slap in the face.” Teammate Alyssa Thomas also advocated for changes during All-Star Weekend, joining other All-Stars wearing T-shirts that read, “Pay us what you owe us.”
“The biggest thing is paying the players,” she said. “We’re not budging on that. And it’s gonna continue to be the forefront of it.”
Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Wilson basketball is seen next to WNBA logo before a game between the Chicago Sky and Phoenix Mercury at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Currently, WNBA standard base salaries range from roughly $66,079 to $249,244, with a team salary cap of about $1.5 million under the existing CBA.
Behind the money is the human story of the players. Many don’t earn enough in the league to support themselves, often needing to play overseas or in rival leagues during the offseason. As the WNBA continues to grow, players are pushing to earn enough to support themselves without needing to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Las Vegas Aces play the Phoenix Mercury in Game Four of the WNBA Finals at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Oct. 10, 2025, in Phoenix. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
With the trade deadline looming and no clear indication of how negotiations are progressing, the WNBA could face a lockout for the 2026 season.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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