Overview

• At a pre-Finals news conference, Cathy Engelbert said she did not make the alleged comment about Caitlin Clark’s off‑court earnings and called the reporting inaccurate, adding she respects players and plans to speak with Napheesa Collier.
• The league rejected a report suggesting Engelbert would resign, and the commissioner said she is not stepping down, describing herself as “not a quitter.”
• Player criticism continued as Sophie Cunningham, A’ja Wilson, and others backed Collier’s concerns over leadership, with WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike signaling support and Caitlin Clark saying Collier made valid points and calling for strong leadership.
• Earlier public remarks by Engelbert from a 2024 CNBC interview about Clark’s WNBA wages and endorsement income resurfaced, drawing fresh scrutiny to how the league frames pay versus endorsements.
• Collective bargaining talks remain stalled with the current agreement set to expire Oct. 31, and players are pressing for revenue sharing, a reworked salary system, and improved benefits.