The WNBA has a war on its hands.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier recently went scortched earth on the WNBA and it’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, calling out a ‘lack of accountability from the league office’ in regards to officiating.
Collier’s bombshell statement on the state of the WNBA rocked the league and it’s commissioner“Whether the league cares about the health of the players is one thing, but to also not care about the product on the floor is truly self-sabotage,” the Unrivaled co-found said during her exit interview after the Lynx had been eliminated from the WNBA postseason.
“Year after year the only thing that remains consistent is a lack of accountability from our leaders. … They ignore the issues that everyone inside the game is begging to be fixed. That is negligence.”
During that same monologue, Collier revealed details of private conversations she and Engelbert have had in relation to player salaries, particularly as they pertain to rookies Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, who are huge drivers of revenue for the league yet remain on paltry rookie deals.
“I asked [Engelbert] how she planned to fix the fact that players like [Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers], who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league and are making so little for their first four years,” she said in her brutal four-minute attack on the WNBA.
“Her response was, ‘[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 in that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.'”
Engelbert’s alleged comments received a ton of backlash as the league negotiates a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) with the players association.
Before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury on Friday, Engebert addressed Collier’s remarks and denied the alleged comment about Clark.
“Obviously, I did not make those comments,” Engelbert said.
“Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game, she’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game. I’m proud of what she’s put on the court, unfortunately the injuries held her back from a full season this year.
Engelbert denied making any comments about Caitlin ClarkGetty Clark broke her silence on the situation last weekGETTY“I’m not going to get into every point, counterpoint, it’s not productive here, we’re here to celebrate the WNBA Finals. … as I said, there was a lot of inaccuracies reported out there and I certainly did not say that.”
Clark’s own statement had been highly anticipated, with the 23-year-old considered the WNBA‘s biggest star and credited with the tremendous growth of the league in the last 12 months.
Asked about the reported comments recently, Clark refused to call out Engelbert directly — initially joking that she hadn’t seen the storm brewing.
“I have great respect for Phee. I think she made a lot of valid points,” she said. “We need great leadership across all levels.
“This is straight-up the most important moment in this league’s history.”
Last week, the WNBA announced that USA Network will join its 11-year, $2.2 billion deal that kicks in next year.
Clark’s head coach, Stephanie White, also backed Colier’s remarksGettyOther WNBA players have also backed Collier’s remarks, with some of the league’s biggest stars taking to social media on Tuesday.
“I think I agree with everything [Collier] said,” Clark’s teammate Lexie Hull told reporters.
“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.”
“10/10. No notes!” Angel Reese posted on X.
The Chicago Sky forward, who has criticised her WNBA salary before, also caused a social media stir after she responded to a fan on X who questioned whether she wants to be a model or a basketball player.
While Fever head coach Stephanie White said, “I have a lot of respect for Phee.
“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.”
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