Minnesota Lynx forward and five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier has launched a scathing attack on WNBA leadership, accusing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league of being “tone-deaf” and “dismissive” toward players’ concerns.
Collier’s remarks came during a post-season press conference on Tuesday, just days after a controversial no-call in the Lynx’s playoff clash against the Phoenix Mercury. The incident, which left Collier nursing an ankle injury following a late-game steal attempt by Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas, sparked outrage across the league.
Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve also expressed her fury at officials in the aftermath, leading to a one-game suspension and a record $15,000 fine imposed by the WNBA.
Collier Calls Out League Integrity
Collier did not hold back in her criticism, arguing that inconsistent officiating has undermined the integrity of the league.
“(Officiating) has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity in which it operates,” Collier said. “They ignore the issues that everyone inside the game is begging to be fixed – that is negligence.”
As a vice president of the WNBA players’ union, Collier’s frustration extends beyond officiating. She pointed to deeper issues in league leadership and negotiations around the expiring Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). With the current CBA set to expire on October 31, tensions between players and league executives have intensified, particularly around player salaries and media rights deals.
Rift Between Players and Leadership
Collier revealed details of a private conversation with Commissioner Engelbert, claiming she told players they should be “on their knees thanking their lucky stars” for the new media rights deal set to take effect next season.
“That’s the mentality driving our league from the top,” Collier said. “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.”
Engelbert, in response, said she respected Collier but was “disheartened” by how her comments portrayed the league.
“Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league,” Engelbert stated.
A Broader Movement for Change
Collier has been vocal about improving conditions for WNBA athletes. Earlier this year, she co-founded Unrivaled, an off-season 3×3 league designed to give women basketball players better opportunities and paychecks. The initiative has already attracted top-tier talent frustrated with the WNBA’s structure.
Her strong words come at a pivotal moment for the league, as the WNBA Finals approach, featuring the Phoenix Mercury and the winners of the Las Vegas Aces–Indiana Fever series. With growing star power, increased fan engagement, and lucrative media deals on the horizon, the rift between players and leadership threatens to overshadow the league’s progress.
