Collier Alleges Engelbert Disrespected WNBA Stars

Minnesota star Napheesa Collier — the WNBPA vice president — sustained an ankle injury late in the Lynx’s playoff loss to Phoenix and used her season exit interview to sharply criticize WNBA leadership and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Collier alleged Engelbert told her that superstars Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers should be “grateful” for the league platform and off‑court earnings, including Clark’s reported roughly $16 million in endorsements, and that Clark “wouldn’t make anything” without the WNBA. The remarks reignited debate over rookie pay scales, stalled CBA negotiations and league accountability, and were tied to recent officiating controversies surrounding Collier’s injury. Fans and players voiced anger on social media, increasing scrutiny on Engelbert’s leadership, and the commissioner and league had not publicly refuted the allegations at the time of reporting.