WNBA player Napheesa Collier publicly blasted league leadership this week as reports have begun to circulate that Commissioner Cathy Engelbert could depart following the next round of collective bargaining negotiations.
Collier, a five-time All-Star with the Minnesota Lynx and a recent contender for the WNBA MVP award, provided a statement on Tuesday, accusing the league office of failing to prioritize its athletes or the quality of the product on the floor.
“The real threat to our league isn’t money,” Collier said. “It isn’t ratings or even missed calls or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
Collier proceeded to point to the consistent issues with the league’s referees, stating that this has been an ongoing issue for years, and the WNBA has refused to address the complaints being logged by players and fans.
“Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating, and it has now reached the levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity in which it operates. Whether the league cares about the players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage.”
Engelbert quickly released a statement in response to the comments by Collier, writing that she has “the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA.”
“Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”
Shortly after the two sides released statements, reports surfaced that Engelbert could be on her way out as commissioner, with a source close to the situation claiming that the commissioner “hasn’t connected” with players because she is not a “relationship builder.”
“I think she’s a wicked smart business person, and the success she gets a lot of credit for. But a commissioner has to have a personality element that can touch every constituent that they have. I think she’s just lacking in it,” said the source while speaking with the Sports Business Journal.
“You’re where you are now, you have got to get through this labor negotiation. After that, it wouldn’t surprise me if she did a victory lap and rode off back into the corporate world somewhere.”
The timing of the back and forth coincides with a critical labor moment for the WNBA.
The current collective bargaining agreement allows the players to opt out following the 2025 season, and union leaders have indicated they are prepared to do so.
Potential negotiations are expected to focus on compensation, revenue sharing, and benefits, all issues that Collier highlighted during her lengthy statement earlier in the week.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, WNBA players recently took a stand during the All-Star Game, wearing shirts that read “Pay Us What You Owe Us” during the warm-up portion of the game.
Although this decision prompted mixed reactions from many, it has become clear that the WNBA players are prepared to take a stand for what they believe is right.