Napheesa Collier channeled the legacy of athlete-activists with her exit interview masterclass

The WNBA continues to soar with momentum, with one big obstacle standing in the way: the WNBA.

Enter Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier, who tapped into her inner Nas and went full on “Ether” during her exit interview on Tuesday. She wasted no time in calling out the top tier of the league, particularly current WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert, for a laundry list of alleged inadequacies, ranging from player pay to inconsistent officiating to fines to comments the Commissioner made about Caitlin Clark.

“At some point, everyone deserves to hear the truth from someone who I hope has earned the benefit of the doubt to fight for what is right and fair for our athletes and our fans,” Collier said. “We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now we have the worst leadership in the world.”

Collier related a conversation she had with Englebert in February at Unrivaled, the Miami-based 3×3 league that Collier co-founded. When asked about players, particularly Clark, Angel Reese and incoming No. 1 pick Paige Bueckers, attracting unprecedented eye balls and revenue while on a four-year rookie-scale contracts, Englebert allegedly replied, “Caitlin should be grateful she makes $60 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”

Furthermore, Collier accused Englebert of uttering, “Players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them”

In response, the WNBA released a statement from Englebert that read:

I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA. Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversation and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will never waver.

All of this comes at a critical time for the WNBA, with the 2020 collective bargaining agreement (CBA) set to expire on October 31, and no deal yet to be reached on a new revenue-sharing model, roster expansion, better pay or other issues at stake. If there is not a new agreement, then players, including Collier, have threatened to go on strike and put the 2026 season on hold.

Collier effectively conveyed everything that needed to be said about the current state of the league’s management. Over the course of her nearly four-minute statement, Collier exuded the persistence of Billie Jean King, the unapologetic nature of Serena Williams and the eloquence of Maya Moore. In the process, she also got players and coaches to form what Queen Latifah would call “U.N.I.T.Y.”

Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White said, “I have a lot of respect for Phee. … . I’m thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change.”

Angel Reese tweeted out her support, “10/10 No Notes.” Dearica Hamby posted, “thank you for your bravery!!!!!!!!” Isabelle Harrison said, “Standing with Phee”. Then, Alyssa Clark posted cheering and clapping emojis. More support from current players continued to flood social media. Asked about Collier’s statement before the Game 5 semifinal matchup between her Fever and the Las Vegas Aces, Lexie Hull voiced her love, while A’ja Wilson indicated that she is “going to ride with Phee always” after the Aces secured the series win.

Former player Elena Delle Donne took a dig at Englebert on Instagram, sharing, “I’m still not sure if Cathy knows I retired. Heard from everyone but her.”

With those four minutes, Collier put her name in the same company as those change agents in sports who came before her. Names such as Ali, Ashe, Kareem and King. She is seeking a better future for herself and the players who follow in her path, effectively using her platform to do so.

The famed feminist writer and activist Gloria Steinem once said, “Change is like a house: you can’t build it from the top down, only from the bottom up.” Collier is laying down the bricks for a new foundation that, to reference Missy Elliot, is “Under Construction.”