Silver expects bigger WNBA salaries, but WNBPA isn’t convinced

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

With the trade deadline looming and no clear indication of how negotiations are progressing, the WNBA could face a lockout for the 2026 season.