NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced today that he expects players in the WNBA to receive significant salary increases under their next collective bargaining agreement, which expires on October 31, 2025. Silver clarified that while the goal is not to mirror the NBA’s revenue model, it is fair for female athletes to receive a larger share of the league’s growing income.
The WNBA is partially owned by the NBA, which holds a 42 percent stake in the organization, giving both leagues a shared interest in its continued growth. The announcement comes at a pivotal time for women’s basketball. The WNBA is expanding its international presence, increasing viewership and attendance, yet it continues to face challenges related to salary limits and contractual structures.
Silver emphasized that the upcoming agreement should reflect “a time of transformation” by providing more roster spots, better job security, and enhanced benefits for players. The statement also aligns with the league’s plans to add two new expansion teams — one in Portland and another in Toronto — by 2026.
This growth signals a defining moment for the WNBA as it seeks to solidify its financial foundation and improve the standard of living for its athletes. Fans and analysts alike now wait to see how these promises will materialize and what the new salary floor will look like for women competing at the highest level of professional basketball.
