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It was only a matter of time before ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith shared his thoughts on the controversy surrounding Caitlin Clark, Napheesa Collier and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
On Tuesday afternoon, Collier called out the WNBA’s leadership. The five-time All-Star for the Minnesota Lynx believes Engelbert’s lack of accountability is holding back the current product.
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“I want to be clear this conversation is not about winning or losing. It’s about something much bigger. The real threat to our league isn’t money, it isn’t ratings, or even missed calls or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office,” Collier said. “Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating and it has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity of which it operates. Whether the league cares about the health of our players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self sabotage. Year after year, the only thing that remains consistent is the lack of accountability from our leaders.”
Collier then shared juicy details about a conversation she had with Engelbert earlier this year. She complained to the league commissioner about young stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers. Let’s just say Engelbert’s response was extremely bizarre.
“Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,” Engelbert allegedly told Clark.
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Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Paige Bueckers poses with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected with the number one overall pick to the Dallas Wings in the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
On Tuesday afternoon, Engelbert addressed Collier’s comments with a statement of her own.
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” Engelbert said. “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 conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”
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Stephen A. Smith doesn’t hold back.
During this Wednesday’s episode of “First Take,” Smith ripped Engelbert for how she has handled this situation. He firmly believes she needs to resign before the start of the 2026 season.
“You should resign – period,” Smith said. “When a player — any player — but especially one of that magnitude attacks you publicly like that, that weak-ass statement that Commissioner Engelbert gave is not good enough.”
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Engelbert has received a ton of backlash for her alleged remarks. There’s no reason for her to throw shade at a generational talent like Clark.
Will Engelbert step down from her role as WNBA commissioner? We’re not entirely sure, but pressure is mounting this week.
All we can say for certain is that WNBA fans are watching the product because of talented players like Clark and Collier, not because of the commissioner.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Oct 1, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
