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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert might want to stay off social media for the rest of this week.
During a news conference this Tuesday, five-time All-Star Napheesa Collier aired out her complaints about the WNBA’s current product. The face of the Minnesota Lynx believes the league lacks accountability from its leaders. There’s no question that was a direct shot at Engelbert.
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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 revealed that she spoke to Engelbert about her concerns for the WNBA earlier this year. Apparently, the commissioner took a dig at Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during their conversation.
“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; WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert talks to the media before the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Over the past few hours, WNBA fans have been calling for Engelbert to either step down or be removed from her position.
“It blows my mind that Cathy Engelbert is still the WNBA commissioner and hasn’t been fired,” one fan said.
“I am glad everyone is speaking out. I have been saying this for over almost 2 years. Cathy Engelbert is a horrible and grossly incompetent commissioner,” a second fan wrote on X. “They need to fire her or the fans need to boycott.”
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“I love Phee calling out Cathy. She doesn’t care about the players, their safety or making sure they are compensated. She clearly can’t handle the league’s growth and is going to fumble capitalizing on ways to help it continue to grow,” another fan commented.
Engelbert responds to Collier’s bombshell press conference.
Earlier this afternoon, Engelbert released a statement in response to Collier’s comments.
“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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Judging by that statement, Engelbert isn’t ready to give up her spot as the league’s commissioner.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
