In a bold and impassioned statement during Tuesday’s end-of-season news conference, Napheesa Collier, the star player of the Minnesota Lynx, took direct aim at the WNBA’s leadership, particularly targeting WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Collier expressed her frustrations, branding Engelbert as having “the worst leadership in the world” during a nearly four-and-a-half-minute address. This candid moment highlighted ongoing issues within the league, including officiating complaints and the contentious negotiations surrounding the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
Collier emphasized that the “real threat” to the league is not financial challenges, ratings, or officiating inconsistencies, but rather a lack of accountability from the top executives. “For too long, I have tried to have these conversations in private,” she stated, revealing her role as a vice president of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association. “But it’s clear there is no intention of accepting there’s a problem.” She criticized the leadership’s approach, stating, “It isn’t about innovation, it isn’t about collaboration, it’s about control and power.”
Highlighting her concern for the future of the sport, Collier added, “Our leadership’s answer to being held accountable is to suppress everyone’s voices by handing out fines.” She made it clear that her focus is on ensuring the longevity and fairness of the league for both players and fans.
Officiating has been a contentious issue throughout the WNBA season, with both players and coaches expressing frustration over inconsistent calls. Collier pointed out that instead of addressing these real concerns, the league has resorted to fines while ignoring the pleas from those within the game. “The league has a buzzword that they have rolled out as talking points for the CBA as to why they can’t pay the players what we’re worth. That word is ‘sustainability,’” she explained, indicating that the real sustainability issue is maintaining high-quality gameplay amidst officiating mishaps.
“Fans see it every night. Coaches both winning and losing point it out every night in pregame and postgame media. Yet leadership just issues fines and looks the other way,” Collier lamented, calling for more accountability and transparent communication from the league.
Collier recounted a troubling exchange with Engelbert during contentious CBA negotiations, where she felt dismissed with comments like, “Well, only the losers complain about refs.” Additionally, Engelbert’s remarks regarding rookie contracts and media deals highlighted a perceived disconnect between player value and league recognition. Collier stated, “That’s the mentality driving our league from the top,” asserting that the league often believes it succeeds despite its players rather than because of them.
In response to Collier's comments, Engelbert expressed disappointment, stating, “I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership. My commitment to the players and this work will not waver.” This statement reflects the ongoing tension and disconnect between the league's top officials and its players.
Collier's remarks have garnered significant support from fellow players, with the WNBA Players Association backing her stance. “When Phee speaks, people listen,” the association stated, affirming her leadership role within the union. Prominent players, such as Elena Delle Donne and Angel Reese, also took to social media to express their solidarity with Collier’s message, emphasizing the need for change within the league.
Collier’s address comes at a crucial time as the current CBA is set to expire at the end of the month, signaling a period of potential upheaval and negotiation. As the league moves forward, it remains to be seen how leadership will respond to the growing calls for accountability and reform.
In concluding her powerful address, Collier sent a strong message that she will not back down from advocating for her fellow players and the integrity of the league. “We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world, but right now, we have the worst leadership in the world,” she declared, urging for a shift in how the league values its athletes. “I will not stand quietly by and allow different standards to be applied at the league level.”
As the WNBA navigates these challenges, players like Collier are leading the charge for change, ensuring their voices are heard loud and clear in the conversation about the future of women’s basketball.
