MVP Runner-Up Napheesa Collier and the Minnesota Lynx have spent the entire season looking for redemption after losing to the New York Liberty in overtime in a decisive Game 5 of the WNBA Finals last year. However, the Lynx were eliminated by the Phoenix Mercury in five games in their semifinal series.
After the series concluded, rather than discussing another fantastic down-to-the-wire series, things took a highly controversial turn. Collier injured her ankle late in Game 3, and no foul was called on the play. Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve blasted the officiating, calling it “disappointing,” among other things, and was suspended for a game and fined for her comments. Afterwards, the Lynx’s star also let her thoughts be known.
Napheesa Collier Blasts Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
Collier obviously did not take kindly to the officiating and called out the WNBA’s leadership.
“We have the best players in the world,” Collier said. “We have the best fans in the world. But right now we have the worst leadership in the world.”
Collier continued to criticize the league for its lack of accountability. “The real threat to our league isn’t money,” Collier explained. It isn’t ratings, or even missed calls, or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
Included in Collier’s grievances were several against WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, revealing conversations the two had previously had as she read a prepared statement. Engelbert supposedly brushed off these comments and, according to Collier, told her, “Well, only the losers complain about the refs.”
Stephen A. Smith Calls On Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Resign
On Wednesday, during ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith joined many who are now calling for Engelbert to resign.
Stephen A. Smith calls on WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to resign following her response to Napheesa Collier’s criticism.
“When a player — any player — but especially one of that magnitude attacks you publicly like that, that weak ass statement that Commissioner Engelbert… pic.twitter.com/T8OJzC6Oqi
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 1, 2025
“When a player – any player – but especially one of that magnitude attacks you publicly like that, that weak a** statement that Commissioner Engelbert gave is not good enough, Smith explained.”
Smith couldn’t imagine being called out like Engelbert was and not being able to defend yourself at all.
“Could you imagine somebody directing comments and criticisms at you, taking conversations they’ve had with you directly and telling he world what you said,” Smith said. “And did you see that statement Commissioner Engelbert gave? She basically provided no defense of herself.”
Smith went on to say that he believes Engelbert should “hand in her resignation.”
According to Collier, Engelbert also called out younger players in the league, including Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. According to Collier, Engelbert told her, “Caitlin should be grateful. She makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”
Las Vegas Aces’ star A’ja Wilson backed up Collier, as did former star Elena Delle Donne. With past and present stars calling out Engelbert and the media now joining them, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before we have a new commissioner.
