Adam Silver is urging the WNBA and players to speed up negotiations

In a little less than three months, the 30th VNBA season should begin. Problem: The contours of this recovery, scheduled for May 8remain unclear due to ongoing negotiations between the players’ union and the league.

A situation closely monitored by Adam Silver who finds “ regret » that common language regarding income distribution has not yet been found. Especially given the current context as the Women’s Championship has never done so well.

« The VNBA is experiencing tremendous momentum; In recent years, the league has reached a turning point audience history and commercial success. As we enter our 30th season, all indicators are green and I am proud to be a part of this movement “, begins with the reaction of the “commissioner” during his traditional speech on the sidelines of the All-Star weekend.

But while negotiations are still ongoingthe head of the men’s championship cannot imagine setting ” deadline ». « But when I see what’s left to do between now and training camp in two months, the expansion draft, the classic draft, ‘free agency’… Even when the deal is done, the lawyers will have to finalize it and set it in stone. “, he continues.

In other words, there is still much to do. On February 6, the women’s league sent a new proposal in response to the union’s December offer. A proposal that would not contain any significant change in terms of revenue sharing.

Put “a little pressure” on everything

The WNBA specifically proposed a “salary cap” revised to $5.65 million (compared to $1.5 million last season) where players, in order to be better paid, target a payroll of $10.5 million.

« What I would like to achieve is to put a little pressure on everyone by saying, ‘Look, I’ve been through many rounds of collective bargaining and many times things are resolved at the eleventh hour.’ And as for the negotiations, we are almost there, at this eleventh hour », Formulates, about the urgency of the situation, Adam Silver, however encouraged by the recent intensification of negotiations.

Without sitting at this exchange table, but “ very involved behind the scenes “he says he wants to play” most useful role » close the deal. “ But again, I think we need to urgently move to the next level now so that we don’t end the remarkable momentum of women’s basketball “, he demands.

According to ESPN, the players’ union has yet to respond to the league’s latest proposal. In December, all players gave the union’s Executive Committee the right to go on strike. A scenario recently rejected by executive committee treasurer Briana Turner, who said the strike ” it is not inevitable at the moment. It’s only the beginning of February, the talks are continuing. »