The WNBA legend dishes on Napheesa Collier’s call out of league leadership and commissioner Cathy Engelbert as CBA talks intensify.
WNBA superstar forward Napheesa Collier didn’t mince words in her exit interview following the Minnesota Lynx’s semifinal loss earlier this month. The Unrivaled Co-Founder and WNBPA Vice President delivered unusually candid criticism of WNBA leadership, particularly commissioner Cathy Engelbert, expressing frustration over how the league handles its players and long-term growth. According to Collier, Engelbert countered by arguing that stars like Collier, Caitlin Clark, and Angel Reese wouldn’t earn the money they do without the platform the league provides.
While Collier’s full remarks offered a broader context to her frustration, the WNBA issued a statement pledging to “ensure a bright future for the players,” while the players’ union quickly backed Collier, saying athletes “are fighting for their legacy and the future of basketball.” And with the season now over following the Las Vegas Aces’ sweep of the Phoenix Mercury, all eyes turn to the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations. That includes WNBA legend Candace Parker, who is set to serve as an in-game and studio analyst on Prime Video’s NBA coverage desk this upcoming season.
“Leadership isn’t just about telling people what to do; it’s about establishing relationships and getting to know the entire human being,” Parker told Boardroom on the set of NBA on Prime. “There are some leagues that have gotten it right. Our league has forgotten, somewhat, what’s important, and that’s players. The NBA has empowered [its] players to be able to speak up, make the type of money that they deserve, but also have a say in what they do as a unit.”
As talks continue, Parker hopes that Collier’s leadership will lead to an acceptable resolution for the players sooner rather than later.
“I think that this was a step that needed to be taken; it was something that everybody quietly knew. I hope that she bursts the doors wide open, and now that’s the expectation and the bare minimum,” she said.
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