The ongoing CBA negotiations are getting tense — and WNBA fans aren’t happy about how things have shifted from professional debate to personal shots.
In a USA Today article published October 6, NBA commissioner Adam Silver shared his take on the tense talks between the WNBA and the players’ union, noting that the discussions have lost their professional tone.
“Cathy Engelbert has presided over six years of some of the strongest growth we’ve not only seen in the WNBA but any sports league in history,” said Silver. “But it’s become too personal and we’re going to have to work through those issues.”
Phoenix Mercury star Satou Sabally pushed back, saying there’s a reason emotions are running high.
“It is very personal because the WNBA wants to forbid us to make a lot more money than we’re ever going to make here, what it seems like in other leagues,” said Sabally.
Her comments didn’t sit well with some fans, who accused her of proving Silver’s point.
“maybe just maybe in the US we ain’t dumb and know yall worth ‘[eight rolling ont he floor laughing emojis] just a thought.”
maybe just maybe in the US we ain’t dumb and know yall worth 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 just a thought
— Germ (@PurifiedG47) October 8, 2025
Another added,
“They should go play in those other countries if they feel so undervalued in the States.”
“Proving his (Adam Silver) point, she is. Entitled.”
With the current CBA set to expire on October 31, many worry a lockout could be looming. Still, there’s hope both sides find common ground before that happens.
“Phee Benefits from a Lockout”: WNBA Fans Predict Rise of Unrivaled
If the league does shut down, several players could turn to Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league owned by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart.
Sabally, who also plays for Phantom BC in Unrivaled, hinted that a lockout could send more WNBA players their way.
“It would be very interesting to see if the league finally makes an effort into showing us that they value us or seeing where their employees will go,” she said.
Oh I can’t wait for her exit interview. She looks like she got a lot she wanna say https://t.co/OX3Cy2p8Nv
— … (@hoopNball) October 7, 2025
Some fans weren’t thrilled with that idea.
“So Satou basically confirmed what we all knew Phee benefits from a lockout and that’s exactly what they want,” one fan said.
“They keep trying to throw Unrivaled in the WNBA face [rolling on the floor laughing emojis.”
As of now, 46 active WNBA players are part of Unrivaled’s second season, which recently expanded to eight teams — and could grow even more if a lockout hits.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
