WNBA superstar Napheesa Collier is once again turning up the pressure on league leadership as Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations intensify. Collier used the national spotlight during Unrivaled’s opening night to deliver pointed remarks that many interpreted as another subtle but sharp dig at WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Napheesa Collier Uses Unrivaled Platform to Challenge WNBA Leadership
Unrivaled, the player-owned 3-on-3 women’s basketball league co-founded by Collier and Breanna Stewart, tipped off Monday night at Sephora Arena in Miami. During TNT’s broadcast, Collier addressed the ongoing CBA talks between the WNBA and the WNBPA with striking candor.
“Being on this side with Unrivaled, I know what it takes to run a sustainable business,” Collier said. “I think if they can’t find a model that makes it happen, they need to put people in place who can. Because we’ve proven that it is possible.”
While she stopped short of naming Engelbert directly, the message was unmistakable. Collier emphasized that Unrivaled has already demonstrated a viable financial blueprint, something she believes the WNBA must now match.
“I do think a deal’s gonna get done,” she added. “But we’re standing firm in what we believe in. We’re not gonna back down. We can’t take less. The sport has just grown too much.”
The comments come amid reports that the WNBPA has proposed a $12.5 million salary cap for 2026, signaling a push for revenue-sharing that reflects the league’s recent growth.
Collier’s Voice Carries More Weight Than Ever
Collier’s stance carries added credibility due to Unrivaled’s rapid success. Since debuting in early 2025, the league has reportedly generated over $27 million in revenue, nearly breaking even in its first year, which is a rare feat for a startup.
It now boasts a $340 million valuation, has raised over $35 million in funding, and features star investors such as Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Coco Gauff.
Players earn an average annual salary of $220,000, with equity opportunities built into the model. The league has expanded from six to eight teams in the 2026 season, with nearly 90% of rosters locked in, including stars like Angel Reese, Jewell Loyd, and Brittney Griner.
That success has only intensified Collier’s long-running tension with Engelbert. In her September 2025 exit interview, Collier famously labeled the WNBA under Engelbert as “the worst leadership in the world,” accusing the league of negligence regarding player safety, officiating, and pay. Engelbert later said she was disheartened by the remarks but maintained respect for Collier.
Now, as a WNBPA vice president and co-founder of a thriving alternative league, Collier holds unprecedented leverage. With public support from stars like A’ja Wilson and coaches such as Dawn Staley, her message is resonating louder than ever.
The WNBA CBA deadline of Jan. 9 is approaching fast. Collier’s latest comments made it clear won’t settle for anything less than a league structure that reflects and respects their value.