Silver Expects Big WNBA Raises; Lockout Possible

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he expects WNBA players to receive “big” raises in the next collective bargaining agreement, and he urged focusing on absolute salary improvements rather than just revenue-share percentages. The current CBA expires Oct. 31, and players are pushing for a larger slice than the roughly 9–9.3% they now receive, along with guaranteed charter flights, larger rosters, improved benefits and a softer salary cap. If no agreement is reached by the deadline, a lockout is possible — a scenario league officials warn could stall the WNBA’s momentum and imperil planned 2026 expansion teams in Portland and Toronto. Players staged visible protests, warming up in “Pay Us What You Owe Us” shirts at the All‑Star Game, while critics point to low rookie pay and small roster sizes as central grievances. The NBA owns 42% of the WNBA and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert reports to Silver; owners and league officials say they are confident a transformative deal with significant increases to salary and benefits can be reached.