Lynx Forward Napheesa Collier Publicly Criticizes WNBA Commissioner, League Leadership
Following the Minnesota Lynx’s playoff elimination on September 28th, forward Napheesa Collier delivered a scathing critique of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league’s leadership, alleging a lack of player valuation and accountability regarding officiating. Collier detailed a conversation with Engelbert from last winter, during the Unrivaled 3×3 basketball league (co-founded by Collier and her husband, Alex Bazzell), where she questioned the disparity between revenue generated by high-profile players like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers and their comparatively low WNBA salaries.
According to Collier, Engelbert responded that 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 also stated engelbert told her players should be “on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them,” referencing the new 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights agreement set to begin next season.
Collier’s comments came after sustaining an injury in the final seconds of the Lynx’s playoff game against the Connecticut Sun, which she described as “almost the exact same injury” as a right ankle injury that sidelined her for over three weeks in August, resulting in “a couple of torn ligaments, torn shin muscles, but no broken bones.” While acknowledging the injury didn’t change her overall perspective, Collier asserted that officiating inconsistencies “have now reached levels…that undermine the integrity” of the league.
She accused the league of a lack of accountability, stating, “Year after year, the only thing that remains consistent is the lack of accountability from our leaders.” Collier refuted a WNBA claim, reported by ESPN, that data showed no correlation between recent playoff injuries and missed calls, calling it “an insult to my intelligence.” She argued that allowing officials to “lose control of games” is unsustainable, despite widespread concerns voiced by players and coaches.
Collier further alleged that when she asked Engelbert how the league planned to address officiating concerns, the Commissioner responded, “Only the losers complain about the refs.” She concluded by stating, ”I think it’s time that people know what is happening, the way that the league is not valuing us the way that we need to be valued,” and characterized the league’s leadership as “the worst leadership in the world.”
The WNBA and WNBPA are currently negotiating a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the current agreement expiring on October 31st. Players are seeking salary increases – the current maximum is approximately $250,000 – and a revenue-sharing system without a fixed component. Engelbert has expressed hope for a “transformational” deal that will “substantially increase” player salary and benefits while maintaining owner profitability.
Following Collier’s statements, Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon and Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White were fined for publicly defending Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve after she initially spoke out about officiating. Caitlin Clark, through the Fever, declined to comment on Collier’s account of her conversation with Engelbert.
