🏀 Players Rally Behind Napheesa Collier After She Calls Out WNBA Leadership
Las Vegas — October 1, 2025
The WNBA is facing one of its most turbulent moments in recent years after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier blasted league commissioner Cathy Engelbert, accusing her of “negligent leadership.”
Collier, who finished second in MVP voting this season and also serves as a vice president of the WNBPA, pulled no punches in her end-of-season press conference.
“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.
Her words quickly rippled across the league, igniting a wave of support from both teammates and rivals, and sparking broader conversations about the future of the WNBA.
🔥 League-Wide Reactions
- Lexie Hull of the Indiana Fever agreed with Collier’s remarks, saying:
“We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made… really proud of her for making that statement today.” - The WNBPA itself backed Collier, stating:
“When Phee speaks, people listen. We are confident her words reflect the feelings of many — if not all — of our members. The league’s leaders would benefit from listening to her powerful statement.” - Stephanie White, coach of the Fever and a former WNBA player, applauded Collier’s courage:
“I’m thankful we have strong women willing to say the things that matter and move the needle for change.”
📱 Player Support on Social Media
- Angel Reese (Chicago Sky): “10/10. No notes!”
- Paige Bueckers, one of the young stars Collier highlighted as the future of the league, posted on Instagram: “Queen Phee” alongside a picture of them together.
- Nneka Ogwumike, WNBPA president, echoed: “!!!! time is ticking and Phee speaks for me.”
🚨 Why This Matters
Collier’s remarks come at a time when the WNBA is enjoying unprecedented growth:
- Rising TV ratings and social media buzz.
- Superstar players like Collier, Breanna Stewart, and Caitlin Clark becoming household names.
- Investment in new markets and expansion talks.
Yet, Collier and many others argue that the league is failing to maximize its momentum. Issues like player salaries, marketing, scheduling, travel conditions, and injury prevention remain unresolved.
Her comments have put the spotlight squarely on commissioner Cathy Engelbert and whether the current leadership is doing enough to elevate the WNBA to the level its talent deserves.
đź’¬ Discussion Points
- Do you agree with Napheesa Collier’s assessment of WNBA leadership?
- Is the league failing to keep up with the growth of women’s basketball and its fan base?
- What changes should players and fans demand right now — higher salaries, better marketing, improved travel and facilities, or something else?
- Can the pressure from stars like Collier and Ogwumike push the WNBA into a new era of accountability?
