Shockwaves Rock WNBA: President Cathy Engelbert Reportedly Claims Caitlin Clark Should Be ‘Grateful’ to League for Sponsorship Deals, Sparking Outrage Among Fans Who Insist Her Stardom Transcends the Organization

Napheesa Collier’s Explosive Exit Interview Sends Shockwaves Through the WNBA

After the Minnesota Lynx’s heartbreaking 3-1 loss to the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA semifinals, star forward Napheesa Collier took center stage—not for her performance on the court, but for her bold words off it. Collier’s exit interview is going viral on social media, igniting conversations about leadership, player pay, and accountability within the league.

Before fielding any questions from the media, Collier delivered a prepared statement, congratulating the Mercury on advancing to the WNBA Finals. But she quickly shifted focus, launching a scathing critique of what she described as “the worst leadership in the world.” Collier singled out WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, referencing a conversation they had in February about the league’s persistent salary gap.

Collier revealed that she pressed Engelbert about the glaring disparity in player salaries, especially for stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese—athletes who generate massive revenue but earn “so little” during their first four years in the league. Collier claimed that Engelbert’s response was dismissive:

“Caitlin should be grateful to make $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”

This alleged statement sparked outrage online, with fans and pundits questioning the league’s commitment to its players. Collier emphasized that her remarks were not about the team’s defeat, but rather about the larger issues plaguing the WNBA. As the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year, she called out the “lack of accountability” from the league’s front office.

The tension comes as the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) opted out of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement last October. Despite months of negotiations, the players and the league remain at an impasse, with an October 31 deadline looming for a new deal.

Injury Drama Adds Fuel to the Fire

Collier’s exit interview also shed light on a pivotal moment in Game 3. With just 26 seconds left in the fourth quarter, Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from Collier, but the replay revealed Thomas delivered a heavy blow to Collier’s leg. Wincing in pain, Collier was forced to leave the game and was later ruled out for Game 4 after tearing several ligaments in her ankle.

The incident triggered a heated reaction from Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who stormed onto the court to confront the officials. Reeve was ejected and subsequently suspended for Game 4, in addition to receiving a hefty $15,000 fine. In her own post-game comments, Reeve called for “a change in leadership at the league level when it comes to officiating.”

Adding to the controversy, Collier claimed Engelbert told her,

“Only losers complain about the refs.”

As the WNBA faces mounting criticism and unresolved issues, Collier’s powerful words have sparked a much-needed conversation about player treatment, league leadership, and the future of women’s basketball.