WNBA players make feelings perfectly clear after NBA chief's pay comments
WNBA players responded strongly after NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s recent comments about pay and revenue sharing spark widespread debate
WNBA players have publicly pushed back after NBA commissioner Adam Silver’s comments about pay and revenue sharing sparked backlash this week.
Appearing on NBC’s “Today” show, Silver, who is also dealing with the Clippers' alleged salary cap circumvention, was asked whether WNBA players should receive a larger share of the league’s growing revenue.
He initially replied, “Yes,” but quickly clarified, saying, “I think share isn’t the right way to look at it, because there’s so much more revenue in the NBA. I think you should look at the 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.” It comes as the WNBA's new proposal includes a 'supermax' salary worth hundreds of thousands.
The Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) responded swiftly, posting a clip of the interview on Instagram with a sharp caption: “Don’t want to share, @adamsilvernba?”
The post went viral, capturing the growing tension between players and league leadership as collective bargaining negotiations continue ahead of the Oct. 31 deadline for the current CBA’s expiration.
Revenue sharing remains the central issue in the negotiations. Under the current agreement, WNBA players earn about 9.3 percent of league income, compared with the NBA’s model where players receive roughly half of basketball-related revenue (BRI).
WNBA players have been pushing for a system more closely tied to revenue growth, while team owners favor fixed increases in salary and benefits.
The union’s public response reflects deeper friction that has simmered between players and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert in recent years.
Players have voiced frustration with league leadership over issues such as charter travel, scheduling, and communication around the new CBA. Those tensions have only intensified as the league enters one of its most pivotal financial moments in history, with expansion on the horizon and a new media rights deal expected soon.
Despite the criticism, Silver reiterated that WNBA players will receive “a big increase” in pay under the next agreement, framing it as deserved recognition for the sport’s growth.
But for the players, the focus remains on the model itself, not just the payout. Their push for a revenue-sharing structure similar to the NBA’s reflects a broader fight for long-term sustainability and fairness.
With negotiations nearing the Oct. 31 deadline, the players’ pointed social media post made their stance unmistakable. The message was clear: this isn’t just about salaries — it’s about a fair share of what they help create.