PHOENIX — Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier drew attention across the sports world as she addressed issues with the WNBA’s leadership during the team’s end-of-season interviews, with a Phoenix Mercury player showing support.
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Sep 6, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) waits for action to start before the game against the Golden State Valkyries at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Collier prepared a four-minute statement in which she spoke about the league’s lack of accountability, particularly from Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. She criticized the league’s officiating, which she said has led to multiple injuries, the lack of adequate player compensation, and an alleged comment from Engelbert about Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, suggesting Clark should “be grateful for making $16 million off the court” because the WNBA gave her that platform.
“The league has made it clear, it isn’t about innovation,” Collier said. “It isn’t about collaboration. It’s about control and power… 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.”
Aug 3, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Phoenix Mercury center Kalani Brown (21) warms up before a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Collier said that these discussions have been made privately, but haven’t gone anywhere. Her words sparked a reaction online from fans, athletes, team owners and WNBA players alike, including Mercury center Kalani Brown.
Phee speaks for me.. 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
— 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐈. (@kalanibrown21) September 30, 2025
A fan suggested Brown wait until the Finals were over to make a statement, but the Mercury center disagreed.
The CBA issue affects all of us. So respectfully no it couldn’t wait. Finals or not.
— 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐈. (@kalanibrown21) September 30, 2025
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addresses attendees of a Cleveland WNBA event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland. © Andrew Dolph / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Engelbert issued a statement in response to Collier’s comments, saying her focus is on supporting the players and elevating the game.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s Statement pic.twitter.com/NkxBHSRXMf
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) September 30, 2025
While the future of the WNBA in 2026 remains uncertain and CBA negotiations continue, Collier’s remarks have ignited a broader conversation about leadership, player treatment and accountability across the league.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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