The WNBA is facing a growing internal conflict after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier launched a blistering critique of the league and commissioner Cathy Engelbert, accusing them of a persistent “lack of accountability” especially regarding officiating.
“Whether the league cares about players’ health is one thing, but to also not care about the product on the floor is truly self-sabotage,” Collier said during her exit interview after the Lynx’s postseason elimination. She argued that year after year, leadership ignores problems everyone in the game has been calling to fix, calling that negligence.
Collier also revealed details from private talks with Engelbert about rookie salaries for stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, who she said drive huge revenue yet remain stuck on minimal rookie deals. According to Collier, Engelbert responded that Clark “should be grateful” for the platform the WNBA provides, claiming it enabled her to earn millions off the court, and allegedly added that players “should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal” she secured.
The alleged remarks sparked intense backlash amid ongoing negotiations over a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury, Engelbert publicly denied ever making the comments, calling them inaccurate. She praised Clark as a “transformational player” who has brought millions of new fans to the league and said she wouldn’t get drawn into a point-by-point dispute.
Clark, whose opinion was widely awaited, declined to criticize Engelbert directly but acknowledged the validity of Collier’s concerns. “I have great respect for Phee. I think she made a lot of valid points… This is the most important moment in this league’s history,” she said.
Other prominent voices also backed Collier. Clark’s teammate Lexie Hull said she agreed with everything Collier said, calling it an important moment for change. Angel Reese praised Collier’s remarks on social media, while Fever head coach Stephanie White applauded her courage in speaking out on critical issues.
The uproar comes as the WNBA celebrates a new broadcast deal, with USA Network joining its 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights package beginning next season underscoring the high stakes for the league’s leadership and players alike.
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