Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier criticized the WNBA and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in her season-ending exit interview. Engelbert issued a statement in response, with labor negotiations on the horizon.
How Did Cathy Engelbert Respond to Napheesa Collier?
Engelbert issued an official statement through the league on September 30, 2025, according to a social media post by reporter Malika Andrews. The commissioner took a measured but firm approach in her response.
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA. Together, we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released a statement, responding to Lynx Star Napheesa Collier. pic.twitter.com/LRNncVKqS5
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 30, 2025
Engelbert said she remains focused on the players and the league’s future. She expressed disappointment with how Collier described their private conversations, but didn’t directly address the specific claims about dismissing officiating complaints or telling players to be grateful for media revenue.
The statement shows Engelbert trying to maintain unity while avoiding the details of Collier’s accusations. Star players are voicing frustration with how the league operates, but the commissioner kept her response focused on commitment rather than confrontation.
What Did Napheesa Collier Say About WNBA Leadership?
The statement was Engelbert’s response to Collier’s prepared four-minute exit interview. The five-time All-Star criticized the commissioner and league office in unusually harsh terms.
She called the WNBA’s leadership “the worst in the world” while saying the league has the best players and fans. She pointed to inconsistent officiating as a serious threat to the league’s integrity.
Collier recounted a conversation with Engelbert about improving officiating, claiming the commissioner dismissed player concerns by saying, “Only the losers complain about the refs.” She also raised questions about why young stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers earn so little during their first four years despite driving massive revenue growth.
Engelbert responded by saying, “Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.” Collier said Engelbert added that “players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”
The Lynx forward accused league leadership of negligence, arguing that ignoring problems with officiating and product quality amounts to self-sabotage. She challenged the league to embrace accountability instead of fining players who voice concerns.
The timing matters because Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations start soon. Collier is vice president of the WNBA Players Association executive committee, which gives her words more weight in labor talks. The disagreement shows the league and its players have different ideas about how to handle internal complaints, all while the WNBA keeps setting viewership and revenue records.
