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21m ago

Caitlin Clark Backs Napheesa Collier as WNBA Players Increase Pressure on Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Player unity increases pressure on Cathy Engelbert ahead of the Oct. 31 CBA deadline.

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Cailtin Clark addressed Napheesa Collier's comments about her and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Oct. 2, saying that "Phee said it all."
Sophie Cunningham #8 of the Indiana Fever motions to a teammate during the game against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on August 9, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Overview

  • In exit interviews, Clark endorsed Collier’s critique, calling this the most important moment for the league and noting she has not heard from Engelbert since the remarks.
  • Fever guard Sophie Cunningham intensified the backlash, labeling leadership failing and saying many in power do not know basketball, while warning of a potential lockout if talks do not progress.
  • Engelbert said she was disheartened by Collier’s characterization and affirmed respect for players, but she did not address the specific quotes Collier attributed to her.
  • Collier’s statement followed a semifinal sequence that left her injured on an uncalled play and led to Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve’s one-game suspension and a league-record $15,000 fine for her officiating tirade.
  • The confrontation is unfolding as the current CBA expires Oct. 31, with players highlighting low salaries—Clark earned $78,006 this season versus reported eight-figure endorsements—as a core issue.