Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier publicly called out WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Tuesday, saying the league had the “worst leadership in the world” in an opening statement at an end-of-season news conference. Collier detailed the issues facing players and said the biggest problem facing the WNBA is “the lack of accountability from the league office.” Collier’s comments come after she was controversially injured during the Lynx’s season-ending series loss to the Phoenix Mercury and just one month before the current collective agreement expires.
Collier said she tried to keep her conversations with executives private, but decided to speak out because “it’s clear she has no intention of accepting that there is a problem.”
Collier’s comments sent shockwaves through the league and even prompted a response from Engelbert, who said he was “disheartened” by the way Collier “characterized our conversations.”
Minnesota teammate Alan Smith said other Lynx players were aware of the statement Collier was going to read and supported his decision.
“Napheesa Collier is an outstanding leader and leader of this Union,” the Women’s National Basketball Players Association said in a statement. “When Phee speaks, people listen. We are confident that his words today reflect the feelings and experiences of many, if not most or all of our members. The leaders of the league and its teams would benefit from listening to his powerful statement. The players know their worth even if the league does not. They are fighting for their legacy and the future of basketball.”
Cheryl Reeve, Lynx coach, who was suspended and fined for criticizing referees and WNBA management after Collier injured his foot in the third game of the semifinals, she fully supported her player.
“Phee’s voice is important. I’m proud of Phee,” said the said the coach. “…What Phee has become as a player and a person in this league is important.”
Players such as Dijonaï Carrington And Kayla McBride amplified the message by sharing Collier’s comments on their Instagram Stories. Support also extended far beyond Minnesota. The Sparks of Los Angeles star Dearica Hamby thanked Collier for speaking out.
Angel Reese of Chicago Skyposted a not-so-enigmatic message on social media. “10/10. No ratings!” » Reese wrote.
“Phee National Holiday today,” wrote Erica Wheeler of the Seattle Storm.
“Standing with Phee,” said Freedom of New YorkThis is Isabelle Harrison.
“You all know us and Phee,” Natasha Cloud said.
Kalani Brown, whose Phoenix Mercury team eliminated the Lynx in the semifinals, didn’t hold back either.
Another part of Collier’s speech was that Engelbert lacked the “human element.” Elena Delle Donne, a two-time league MVP, highlighted the comment by stating on Instagram that Engelbert never reached out after his retirement in 2023.
“I heard everyone except her,” she wrote.
Indiana fever coach Stephanie White was fined after expressing support for Reeve following his suspension. She also supported Collier on Tuesday.
“I have a lot of respect for Phee,” White said before Game 5 of the semifinals against the The Aces of Las Vegas. “….I’m grateful that we have strong women who are willing to say the things that matter and to say the things that will advance change.”
Fever guard Lexie Hull also showed support.
“I think I agree with everything she said,” Hull said. “We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made, and so you see her talking about that and you’re really proud of her for making that statement today.”
Collier’s statement was also dropped Caitlin Clarkclaiming that Engelgert told him privately that Clark “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.” This caught the attention of Clark’s teammate. Sophie Cunningham.
“She’s the craziest leader our league has ever seen,” Cunningham wrote in a comment on Instagram.
The situation has also attracted attention from people outside the WNBA.
“Whew,” said Indiana Pacer’s Tyrese Haliburton, who has attended several Fever games.
