Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx delivered a stunning four-minute statement directed at WNBA leadership. After her season-ending interview, the two-time MVP runner-up read from prepared remarks and criticized Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Her angry comments revealed conversations she says happened with the Commissioner about how players are treated.
Napheesa Collier Calls Out WNBA’s Worst Leadership
Collier was honest when she shared her thoughts on the league’s current direction.
“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.”
Napheesa Collier: “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”
👀👀👀 pic.twitter.com/Y7Gb3R4DOl
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) September 30, 2025
The statement came after Minnesota’s controversial playoff elimination. Collier injured her ankle in Game 3 against Phoenix when no foul was called. Her coach, Cheryl Reeve, received a $15,000 fine and suspension for criticizing the officiating.
Collier identified the core problem facing the WNBA today. She explained that the issue goes deeper than any single game or bad call.
“The real threat to our league isn’t money. It isn’t ratings or even missed calls or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
She pointed out that officiating problems have gotten worse over time. Coaches and players constantly raise concerns, but league leadership ignores their feedback.
“Whether the league cares about the health of the players is one thing. But to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage.”
Collier added another powerful point about game quality deteriorating under poor officiating. “What’s truly unsustainable is keeping a good product on the floor while allowing officials to lose control of games.”
The most explosive part involved alleged quotes from Commissioner Engelbert. When Collier raised officiating concerns, she claims Engelbert dismissed her by saying, “Well, only the losers complain about the refs.”
Regarding rookie stars like Caitlin Clark’s minimal salaries, Engelbert supposedly said, “Caitlin should be grateful. She makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”
Engelbert allegedly concluded by telling players they “should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”
Collier’s closing statement captured her frustration perfectly. “The league believes it succeeds despite its players, not because of them. We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn’t value us.”
The WNBA has not responded to these allegations.
