Collier Blasts WNBA Leadership, Draws Widespread Support

Napheesa Collier's Minnesota Lynx season ended after she suffered an ankle injury in the semifinals and the Phoenix Mercury advanced to the Finals. In a four-minute, prepared season-ending statement she blasted WNBA leadership — naming Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and calling it "the worst leadership in the world" — and accused the league of inconsistent officiating, a lack of accountability and disregard for player health. Collier alleged dismissive responses from the league, including reported remarks minimizing physical play and comments about stars' off‑court earnings, and said coach Cheryl Reeve’s on-court confrontation and suspension underscored a pattern of neglect. The statement drew widespread praise from teammates, reporters, former players and analysts, and, as a vice president on the WNBPA executive council, Collier's rebuke has heightened pressure ahead of looming collective-bargaining talks and prompted calls for a leadership reset. The WNBA issued a statement saying it respected players while expressing disappointment at Collier’s characterization.