WNBA superstar Napheesa Collier blasted league commissioner Cathy Engelbert for “the worst leadership in the world” in a resounding statement that sent shockwaves throughout the league.
Collier missed Game 4 of her Minnesota Lynx’s second-round series against the Phoenix Mercury after being injured in a collision in Game 3.
After that incident, Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve had to be restrained while charging at the referees and was ultimately suspended for their season-ending 86-81 loss to the Mercury.
And Collier continued the team’s apparent fury against the league with an extraordinary 4-minute prepared statement about a perceived lack of accountability within the league’s front office.
“We have the best players in the world, we have the best fans in the world, but right now we have the worst leadership in the world,” Collier said.
Collier, the face of the league and a runner-up for league MVP for the second straight season, said the “constant concerns about officiating” were indicative of higher-level issues that are now “undermining the integrity” of the competition.
“I want to be clear: This conversation is not about winning or losing; it’s about something much more important,” she said just days after her season ended.
“The real threat to our league is not money, not ratings, not even missed calls, not even physical play. It is the lack of accountability on the part of the league office.”
She alleged that Engelbert made alarming comments during a February conversation about player compensation, an unresolved issue for a new collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA Players’ Association and the league.
Collier wanted to know why star players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers made so little money from their four-year rookie contracts – approximately US$78,000 ($117,976) per season – while “clearly generating massive revenue for the league.”
Collier said people like Caitlin Clark (R) should be paid more. (Getty Images: Steph Chambers)
“(Engelbert’s) response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful that she made $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,'” Collier said, with Engelbert’s alleged comments running counter to Clark’s ability to attract millions in sponsorships while playing for nothing in college.
“And in that same conversation, she said to me, ‘The players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal I got them.’
“This is the mentality that drives our league from the top. We fight every day to protect a shield that does not value us. The league believes it succeeds in spite of its players, not because of them.”
The league office released a response from Engelbert later Tuesday afternoon.
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and all WNBA players,” Engelbert said.
Two of Minnesota’s best, Collier and DiJonai Carrington, were left out of the play-offs. (Getty Images: Christian Petersen)
“Together, we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My goal remains to ensure a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game.
“I am disheartened by the way Napheesa has characterized our conversations and the leadership of the league, but even when our views differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”
The Lynx star’s statement made waves in the sport. Reese shared and liked the video of Collier’s release press conference with the caption: “10/10. No ratings.”
Two-time league MVP Elena Delle Donne also supported Collier, saying “The Queen has spoken.”
“For me, it’s about the human part,” she wrote on social media.
“I still don’t know if Cathy knows I retired. I’ve heard from everyone except her.”
Collier’s criticism followed scathing comments made by coach Reeve after no foul was called against the Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas, who stripped the ball from Collier and made a steal, leaving Collier in a moon boot with torn ligaments and a badly sprained ankle.
Despite repeated complaints that officials were losing control of games, leading to a higher risk of injuries as games became more physical, Collier said she did not receive any calls or messages from Engelbert.
“Instead the only outreach came from her number two who told my agent she didn’t think physical play contributes to injuries,” she said.
“It’s infuriating. And it’s the perfect example of the tone-deaf, dismissive approach our leaders always seem to take.
“I’m finally tired. For too long I’ve been trying to have these conversations in private, but it’s clear that I have no intention of accepting that there is a problem.
“The league has made it clear that this is not about innovation, not about collaboration, but about control and power.”
Collier averaged 18.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 blocks in 193 regular season games (all starts) during his career. She is a five-time All-Star in seven seasons, all with Minnesota. She was the WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2019 and first team All-WNBA in 2023 and 2024.
Reuters/ABC
