Minnesota Lynx standout Napheesa Collier didn't mince words during her recent media exit interview, unleashing a scathing indictment of the WNBA's leadership. As co-founder of Unrivaled and a Vice President for the players' union, Collier opened her press conference with a prepared statement, highlighting what she described as a profound “lack of accountability from the league office.”
Collier asserted that despite boasting “the best players in the world” and “the best fans in the world,” the league currently suffers from “the worst leadership in the world.” Her critique centered on several key areas, particularly the WNBA's handling of officiating. She noted that while the league discusses sustainability in collective bargaining agreement (CBA) talks, it consistently sidesteps addressing refereeing inconsistencies. Coaches, she explained, frequently raise concerns about officiating, only for the league to “issue fines and look the other way,” a practice Collier labeled “negligence.” This sentiment was underscored by the recent $15,000 fine levied against her head coach, Cheryl Reeve, after Reeve complained about officiating following a play where Collier herself sustained an ankle injury, leading to both missing a critical playoff game.
The Lynx star also recounted a troubling conversation with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert at an Unrivaled event earlier this year. According to Collier, Engelbert dismissed officiating complaints by stating “only the losers complain about the refs.” Furthermore, when Collier inquired about the league's young stars driving revenue, Engelbert allegedly retorted that Caitlin Clark should be “grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.” Collier added that the Commissioner also suggested players “should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media-rights deal that I got them.” This is particularly poignant given Clark's modest $78,006 salary under the current CBA. “We go to battle every day to protect a shield for a league that doesn’t value us,” Collier powerfully concluded.
In response to Collier's public accusations, Commissioner Engelbert issued a written statement, expressing her “dishearten[ment] by how Napheesa characterized our conversations.” While Engelbert affirmed her “utmost respect” for Collier and all WNBA players, and reiterated her commitment to the league's future, she notably refrained from directly refuting any of Collier’s specific claims about their discussions.
The tension highlighted by Collier comes at a critical juncture, as the current Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire at the end of next month. Negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) have reportedly been fraught, with a resolution unlikely before the October 31st deadline.
Collier further detailed a concerning lack of personal concern from the Commissioner following her injury-riddled season. While her husband and numerous players from across the league reached out, Collier stated she received “not one call, not one text” from Cathy Engelbert. Instead, the only communication came from Engelbert’s second-in-command, informing Collier’s agent that the league leadership “doesn’t believe physical play is contributing to injuries.” Collier found this “infuriating” and a prime example of the “tone-deaf, dismissive approach” she attributes to league leaders. Anticipating a potential fine for her outspoken remarks, Collier quipped that “all of free speech is being fined right now,” but her experience as an Unrivaled cofounder gave her the confidence to speak out.
Collier’s powerful statement swiftly garnered widespread support from players and coaches alike. Fever guard Sophie Cunningham fiercely criticized Engelbert’s alleged comments regarding Clark on social media, labeling her “the most delusional leader our league has seen.” Retired star Elena Delle Donne shared Collier’s remarks, echoing the sentiment about a lack of personal connection from the Commissioner, stating, “I’m still not sure if Cathy knows I retired. Heard from everyone but her.” Reigning champions A’ja Wilson and Chelsea Gray, alongside young talents like Angel Reese and veterans like Dearica Hamby, Isabelle Harrison, and Alysha Clark, expressed their solidarity. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White praised Collier for being a “strong woman” willing to “move the needle for change.” Even NBA player Tyrese Haliburton shared the video.
The WNBPA itself amplified Collier’s message, posting the audio recording of her remarks and commending her as an “outstanding” union leader. Their statement underscored that “When Phee speaks, people listen,” asserting that her words resonate with the experiences of most, if not all, WNBA members. The union concluded with a powerful message: “The players know their value even if the league does not. They are fighting for their legacy and the future of basketball.”
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Originally published at: https://frontofficesports.com/napheesa-collier-wnba-worst-leadership/
