Players Demand Accountability as Cathy Engelbert’s Remarks Are Alleged
Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson blasted WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert after Players Association Vice President Napheesa Collier shared details of a conversation in which Engelbert allegedly made dismissive remarks about player concerns. Collier had called out a “lack of accountability from the league office,” and Wilson said she was “honestly disgusted by the comments that Cathy made.”
Wilson praised Collier’s willingness to speak up: “I’m very appreciative that we have people like Phee in our committee of players’ association representing us, because that’s what we are going to have to continue to make the push to stand on what we believe in. I’m grateful to have those types of people be able to continue to speak up for us.”
cathy engelbert: Collier’s Charges and Direct Quotes
Collier’s post-elimination statement raised concerns about officiating, player safety, league fines and, most notably, comments she says Engelbert made in private about superstar players and rookie pay.
- Collier said she asked Engelbert how the league planned to address officiating problems; Collier alleges Engelbert replied, “Well, only the losers complain about the refs.”
- When Collier asked about rookie pay for stars driving revenue—naming Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers—Collier said Engelbert replied, “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.”
- Collier also quoted Engelbert as saying, “Players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”
Collier framed these comments as evidence of a broader problem: the league’s leadership not taking player concerns seriously heading into labor negotiations.
cathy engelbert: Commissioner Responds
Engelbert issued a statement saying she was “disheartened” by Collier’s characterization of their talks. She wrote that she has “the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” and stressed her focus on ensuring “a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game.”
Media Reaction: The Caitlin Clark Effect and the League’s Opportunity
Commentary pointed to Caitlin Clark’s arrival as a watershed moment for the WNBA—boosting ratings, attendance, media rights and sponsorships. Critics argue the league should be seizing the chance to convert Clark’s massive fanbase into long-term support for the entire league, not alienating those fans by appearing to dismiss Clark’s value.
A featured critique suggested the league is at risk of self-sabotage if fans believe it’s “openly hostile and condescending” to its biggest new star. The column noted Clark’s enormous commercial value and argued the WNBA should thank—not belittle—players who bring attention and revenue.
Players, Fans and the Future
Collier’s remarks were part of a broader critique of league leadership that touched on officiating quality and measures the league uses to silence criticism. Supporters of Collier’s move view it as a strategic push during key labor conversations; detractors worry the dispute damages the league’s public image at a delicate moment.
A’ja Wilson’s public backing of Collier highlights growing player impatience with the league office and underlines the stakes ahead as the WNBA navigates fan growth, star power around names like Caitlin Clark, and negotiations over pay and accountability.
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