South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley has voiced her support for Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier following Collier’s outspoken criticism of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. During her exit interview, Collier’s comments intensified the ongoing negotiations between the league and the WNBA Players Association over a new collective bargaining agreement.
Speaking at SEC Media Day, Staley acknowledged the emotional side of such talks.
“It sounds personal from her perspective, but people need to remember, it’s a negotiation,” Staley said. “There’s always emotion, but once the facts are laid out, I think it’ll get done. Both sides are playing their roles. I think it was brave of Phee to speak out, and at the same time, Cathy Engelbert has done tremendous work for women’s professional basketball. Negotiation is part of progress.”
As a former WNBA player (1999–2006), Staley has a unique viewpoint, having started her career when professional opportunities for women were scarce. She’s now a leading college coach in an era when women’s sports are flourishing.
Ten of Staley’s former players competed in the WNBA this past season, including Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson, who just earned her fourth MVP award and third championship.
In her statement, Collier alleged that Engelbert told her players should be “on their knees thanking their lucky stars” for the media rights deal and that Caitlin Clark should be “grateful” for the platform the WNBA provides. Engelbert has since denied those claims.
Collier stood firm, saying,
“Our leadership’s response to accountability is to silence players with fines. I’m not afraid of a fine, I’m afraid for the future of our sport.”
Unless the league and WNBPA reach an agreement by October 31, a deadline extension will be required to prevent a lockout.
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