Particle.news
Download on the App Store
125 ARTICLES
·
59m ago

Napheesa Collier Denounces WNBA Leadership, Alleges Dismissive Remarks by Commissioner

Her denunciation intensifies labor tensions with the CBA set to expire Oct. 31.

Image
Napheesa Collier.
Image
An injured Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier is helped off the court during the second half of Game 3 of a WNBA basketball playoff semifinals series game against the Phoenix Mercury Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)

Overview

  • In a prepared statement at her season-ending news conference, the Minnesota Lynx star called league leadership negligent on officiating, player pay and accountability, saying the WNBA has the "worst leadership in the world."
  • Collier alleged Commissioner Cathy Engelbert privately said Caitlin Clark should be grateful for the WNBA platform and that players should be "on their knees" over the media-rights deal; Engelbert said she respects Collier but was disheartened by her characterization.
  • The flare-up followed a Game 3 no-call in which Collier injured her ankle on an Alyssa Thomas steal; Collier missed Game 4, and Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected in Game 3, then suspended one game and fined $15,000.
  • The league also issued smaller fines, including $1,000 to Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon and Indiana coach Stephanie White for public comments, and $500 each to Lynx assistants Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson.
  • Collier, a WNBPA vice president and co-founder of the Unrivaled 3x3 league, framed her remarks as necessary before negotiations, underscoring player concerns as the current collective bargaining agreement nears its deadline.