The WNBA world has erupted before the 2025 semifinals clash between the Minnesota Lynx and the Phoenix Mercury. While the Lynx crashed out despite being the No. 1 seed, Napheesa Collier took everyone by surprise as she called the league.
Collier went after WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, labeling their system as the worst leadership right now. The reaction to Collier was instantaneous, with players and analysts reacting to her candid statement.
What Did WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Say to Commissioner Cathy Engelbert After Napheesa Collier’s Viral Comments?
In a recent video, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie made her own statement about Engelbert and Collier.
“Cathy, yes, has done, I think a really good job of helping raise capital — of helping administer in obviously the television deal and all of the things that she’s done. But you’re only able to do that because of those players that are on the floor, mind you, the product,” Leslie said.
Leslie — a two-time WNBA champion — warned Engerbert about the system, pointing out that she could lose her job if this continued. After all, the teams and the rest of the WNBA could lose trust in her, eventually looking for a commissioner who has a better relationship with players.
“But you didn’t close the gap on the relationship between you as the commissioner and the players. And as long as you feel like in leadership, listen, the wolf is only as strong as the pack. And the pack is only as strong as the wolf. But just know, when the wolf doesn’t lead the pack properly, the pack will eat the wolf,” she continued.
“And right now? Cathy just put out words that Napheesa took notes on and brought receipts and put out there that she never get back. And I think her job will forever be in jeopardy. The trust of the WNBA with that particular commissioner I don’t think will last.”
What Did Collier Say About Commissioner Engelbert and the WNBA?
Labelling the WNBA as the ‘worst’ leadership, Collier spoke on multiple points — including Engelbert’s comments on Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark.
“I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that Caitlin, Angel (Reese), and Paige (Bueckers), who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years,” Collier said.
“Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t be making anything,'” she revealed.
The Lynx star was candid in her approach, lobbying for change as the players continued to suffer.
