Napheesa Collier is saying what many players might already feel. The five-time WNBA All-Star and WNBPA vice president has called out the league for mismanagement, rookie contracts that barely reflect the talent, and safety failures that put athletes at risk. Her frustration reveals a league that claims to elevate women’s sports but can’t get the basics right.
Napheesa Collier explains criticism goes beyond Minnesota Lynx playoff loss
Napheesa Collier made it clear during her press conference on September 30 that her criticism wasn’t focused on the playoff series results. Rather, she pointed out the deeper systemic problems affecting the league, referring to her notes for better clarity.“We have the best league in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now, we have the worst leadership in the world,” In Minneapolis, Collier addressed reporters head-on. She criticized the league office for its “lack of accountability,” claiming it jeopardizes player health and the “integrity” of the game.She emphasized, “Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating, and it has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport,” she stated. Collier labeled it “negligence” from Engelbert, stating that the league turns a blind eye to fixes despite receiving complaints year after year.She shared a private chat from February 2025 with Engelbert during the first Unrivaled 3-on-3 league event, which was co-founded by Collier and Breanna Stewart.When Collier inquired about managing issues, Engelbert supposedly responded, “Only the losers complain about the refs.” Collier pointed out the issue of low rookie salaries for important revenue players like Caitlin Clark of Indiana, Angel Reese from Chicago, and UConn’s Paige Bueckers, who is set to enter the 2026 draft.Engelbert reportedly commented on 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,” and that players should be “on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”Collier was “infuriated” that Engelbert didn’t reach out to her after her injury, particularly since the league was downplaying how much physical play contributes to injuries. “Whether the league cares about the health of our players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage,” she concluded.As the vice president of the WNBPA, Collier positioned her remarks as a push for change before the CBA discussions, where players are aiming for increased salaries, improved benefits, and changes in officiating. She expected fines for her “free speech,” adding, “It seems like anything with free speech is fined now.”
Cathy Engelbert responds to Napheesa Collier with respect
Shortly after Collier’s statement, Engelbert responded via WNBA Communications on September 30, 2025. “I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” she wrote. “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.”Engelbert added, “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.” She did not address the specific quotes attributed to her.Collier’s participation as an important figure in advocating for player empowerment. With the WNBA finals starting between Phoenix and the winner of New York-Las Vegas, all attention is on whether this uproar will result in actual changes, or fines for Collier.Also Read: Kansas City Chiefs’ Travis Kelce snaps under pressure and teammates fear he’s about to break
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