Napheesa Collier went for the jugular.
The Minnesota Lynx forward torched the WNBA in her media exit interview Tuesday. The Unrivaled cofounder and union VP began her press conference with a prepared statement about “the lack of accountability from the league office.”
“We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now we have the worst leadership in the world,” Collier said.
The Lynx star said the league talks about sustainability in collective bargaining agreement negotiations, but it won’t address officiating issues. She said coaches constantly bring up officiating, but the league “just issues fines and looks the other way,” which she called “negligence.” The WNBA fined her head coach Cheryl Reeve $15,000 over the weekend following her complaints about officiating following a play where Collier injured her ankle against the Phoenix Mercury. Both women subsequently missed Game 4, when the Lynx were eliminated from the playoffs.
Collier described a conversation she had with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert at Unrivaled earlier this year. She said Engelbert told her “only the losers complain about the refs,” and that when she asked about young stars who drive revenue for the league, Engelbert said Caitlin Clark should be “grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.” Collier said the commissioner also told her “players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media-rights deal that I got them.”
Under the most recent CBA, Clark was paid just $78,006 this past season on a four-year, $338,000 contract.
“We go to battle every day to protect a shield for a league that doesn’t value us,” Collier said.
In a written statement Tuesday, Engelbert said she was “disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations,” but did not directly deny any of Collier’s claims about her comments.
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” Engelbert said in the statement. “Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”
The CBA expires at the end of next month, and negotiations between the WNBA and the Women’s National Basketball Players Association have been tense, with the sides unlikely to reach a deal before the Oct. 31 deadline.
Collier said her husband, Unrivaled president Alex Bazzell, always messages players when they get hurt, and says she’s received similar sentiments from players from across the league during her injury-riddled season. “Do you know who I haven’t heard from? Cathy,” she said.
“Not one call, not one text. Instead, the only outreach has come from her No. 2 telling my agent that she doesn’t believe physical play is contributing to injuries,” Collier said. “That is infuriating, and it’s the perfect example of the tone-deaf, dismissive approach that our leaders always seem to take.”
When asked about a potential fine for her remarks, Collier said it “seems like all of free speech is being fined right now” and “I expect to get fined.”
Collier said her experience as an Unrivaled cofounder made her comfortable criticizing the WNBA.
“If I didn’t know exactly what the job entailed, maybe I wouldn’t feel this way,” Collier said. “But unfortunately for them, I do.”
A number of players have come forward in support of Collier’s comments on social media or with reporters ahead of Tuesday’s semifinal Game 5 between the Aces and Fever.
Fever guard Sophie Cunningham ripped Engelbert’s alleged comments about Clark in a social media post Tuesday. “people only know Cathy because of C…. She’s the most delusional leader our league has seen,” she wrote in an Instagram comment. “AND IT SHOULDN’T EVER BE ABOUT OUR COMMISSIONER IN THE FIRST PLACE,” she added.
“I think I agree with everything she said,” Fever guard Lexie Hull said of Collier’s remarks. “We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made, and so you’re seeing her talk about that and really proud of her for making that statement today.”
Elena Delle Donne, who recently retired, shared screenshots from Collier’s remarks on her Instagram story, saying “The Queen has spoken.”
“It’s the care for the human part for me,” Delle Donne wrote. “I’m still not sure if Cathy knows I retired. Heard from everyone but her.”
Reese, who Collier had mentioned as one of the young players, posted “10/10. No notes!” Dearica Hamby tagged Collier, saying “thank you for your bravery!!!!!!!!” Isabelle Harrison said she is “Standing with Phee.” Alysha Clark posted supportive emojis.
Hamby, Harrison, and Alysha Clark, like most veteran WNBA players, are set to become free agents after the season ends.
The Fever said Clark did not have a comment.
Fever coach Stephanie White said she has “a lot of respect” for Collier. “I’m thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change,” White said.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton also shared the video, writing “Whew.”
The WNBPA posted the audio recording of Collier’s remarks, along with its statement calling the Lynx forward an “outstanding” leader and member of union leadership.
“When Phee speaks, people listen. We are confident that her words today speak to the feelings and experiences of many, if not most or all of our members,” the union said. “The leaders of the league and its teams would benefit from listening to her powerful statement. The players know their value even if the league does not. They are fighting for their legacy and the future of basketball.”
