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29m ago

Napheesa Collier Denounces WNBA Leadership, Alleges Engelbert Dismissed Officiating and Pay Concerns

The exchange sharpened focus on officiating, player pay and CBA talks ahead of the Oct. 31 deadline.

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Napheesa Collier.
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)
Sep 26, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) drives the ball against Phoenix Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner (14) during game three of the second round for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images

Overview

  • In a prepared exit-interview statement, the Lynx star accused the league of negligence and quoted Cathy Engelbert as saying “only the losers complain about the refs,” that Caitlin Clark should be “grateful,” and that players should be “on their knees” over a media-rights deal.
  • Engelbert issued a brief response expressing respect for Collier and saying she was disheartened by the characterization, while affirming her commitment to players and the league.
  • The dispute follows league discipline from Game 3, with Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve suspended for one game and fined $15,000, Indiana’s Stephanie White and Las Vegas’ Becky Hammon fined $1,000, and Lynx assistants Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson fined $500.
  • Collier said she has torn ankle ligaments from a late Game 3 no-call involving Alyssa Thomas and missed Game 4 of the semifinals, which Minnesota lost to Phoenix.
  • Collier’s role as a WNBPA vice president and Unrivaled co-founder adds weight to her criticisms as the league touts new media-rights deals, including a multiyear pact with USA Network reported Tuesday, with the CBA set to expire Oct. 31 and a work stoppage in 2026 viewed as a possibility.