Overview

• WNBA star and union vice president Napheesa Collier scrapped a planned sit‑down with commissioner Cathy Engelbert, citing a lack of accountability after Engelbert publicly denied specific remarks Collier attributed to her.
• Cathy Engelbert has rejected the alleged comments about Caitlin Clark and told reporters she was disheartened by players’ perceptions and intends to repair trust with the locker room.
• NBA commissioner Adam Silver characterized the dispute as relationship growing pains, said the situation has become too personal, and expressed confidence a new labor deal will be reached.
• Collier defended going public in a talk with Kamala Harris, saying repeated private efforts during bargaining went nowhere, while players and coaches across the league voiced support, including Caitlin Clark acknowledging Collier raised valid points.
• Talks continue under an Oct. 31 CBA deadline as players seek a bigger slice tied to the league’s growth and media-rights windfall, with commentators warning a work stoppage is possible even as Engelbert has floated a temporary extension if progress is close.