WNBA VP Napheesa Collier Denies Conflict Amid CBA Talks

Napheesa Collier, vice president of the Women's National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) and co-founder of the women's 3-on-3 league Unrivaled, strongly denied accusations that she and fellow co-founder and WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart have a conflict of interest during the ongoing WNBA collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. Critics claimed the duo might benefit financially from a WNBA lockout due to their roles with Unrivaled, but Collier rebuffed these allegations, emphasizing that neither she nor Stewart would want a lockout that reduces player earnings. The current CBA, which the players opted out of early, is set to expire after the 2025 season, and players are pushing for improved salaries, revenue sharing, and other benefits amid tense negotiations. Despite these challenges, Collier is having a standout season on the court, leading the Minnesota Lynx with MVP-caliber performances. Both Collier and Stewart maintain that their involvement with Unrivaled provides valuable insights and standards that can help improve the WNBA. The players' efforts come as the league experiences record growth and expansion into new cities, highlighting the high stakes in the ongoing negotiations.