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2h ago

Napheesa Collier Denounces WNBA Leadership, Citing Commissioner’s Alleged Remarks and Officiating Failures

The timing puts added pressure on CBA negotiations set to hit an Oct. 31 deadline.

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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
Napheesa Collier.
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Overview

  • Collier used her exit interview to call league leadership the “worst” and accused Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of saying players should be grateful for the WNBA and “on their knees” over the media-rights deal.
  • She linked inconsistent officiating to player safety and a degraded product, alleging Engelbert also said “only the losers complain about the refs.”
  • Engelbert responded that she was disheartened by Collier’s characterization and reiterated her commitment to players, without directly addressing the specific alleged quotes.
  • Context for the outcry included Collier’s ankle injury on a controversial no-call and reports that Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve received a record $15,000 fine along with a suspension for criticizing officiating.
  • The dispute flared as the WNBA announced a new USA Network media-rights deal, with players and the WNBPA pushing for a greater revenue share and observers warning talks could harden, potentially risking a 2026 work stoppage.