Collier Blasts Engelbert Amid Officiating, CBA Stalemate

The 2025 WNBA season has been overshadowed by widespread criticism of inconsistent officiating that players say is hurting the league’s product and reputation. Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has become the most vocal critic, publicly accusing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of dismissing players’ complaints and allegedly saying “only losers complain” and that Caitlin Clark “should be grateful” for the WNBA’s platform. Collier, a WNBPA vice president, said she was “fed up,” canceled a planned meeting with Engelbert amid stalled CBA talks and has been positioned by some as an unofficial players’ spokesperson. Collier and Breanna Stewart’s co‑founding of Unrivaled, a higher‑paying 3‑on‑3 league, has prompted speculation about a potential conflict of interest if labor talks collapse, which both players deny is meant to replace the WNBA. Engelbert has denied some of the reported remarks, and the dispute has dominated headlines during the Finals.