WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is facing her toughest scrutiny yet after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier issued a blistering statement blasting her leadership and sharing her thoughts on the league’s young stars. Caitlin Clark, arguably the face of the WNBA, publicly backed Collier’s remarks.
Collier’s words have put a glaring spotlight on the league, pressing leadership to answer concerns about unfair compensation and the stalemate in CBA talks despite unprecedented growth.
Caitlin Clark Sides With Napheesa Collier’s Criticism of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
Engelbert caused a furious backlash online with comments overwhelmingly seen as remarkably disrespectful toward Clark. The WNBA commissioner was quoted by Collier as saying: “(Caitlin) Clark should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”
In her statement, Collier said she felt obligated to speak out for both players and fans, calling the WNBA the league with the “worst leadership in the world.” She also cited serious issues such as the WNBA’s attitude toward player health, officiating, and Engelbert’s alleged “negligence.”
Clark echoed Collier’s stance, stressing that the league is at a pivotal point in its history.
“I have great respect for Phee (Collier); she made a lot of valid points,” Clark said. “I think what people need to understand, we need great leadership at this time across all levels. This is straight-up the most important moment in this league’s history. This league’s been around for 25-plus years, and this is a moment we have to capitalize on.”
Collier described the league’s leadership as “tone-deaf” and “dismissive.”
Clark added: “I’d say the most important part of leadership, whether that’s the WNBA, whether that’s corporate America, I think it comes down to relationships and really caring about the people you surround yourself with.”
Caitlin Clark speaks on on Napheesa Collier’s comments about WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert:
“I have great respect for Phee… she made a lot of valid points. Phee said it all. … This is straight-up the most important moment in this league’s history.”
(via @TonyREast) pic.twitter.com/SiKG8DeD0L
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 2, 2025
Engelbert responded to Collier’s statements by saying she was “disheartened” by the Lynx star’s characterization. “(But) even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver,” her statement read.
Reports suggest Engelbert’s role as commissioner was already in question prior to Collier’s remarks, with Tom Friend of Sports Business Journal reporting that she is “likely” to step down once the WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement is ratified.
