In a scathing critique of WNBA leadership, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier directly called out league commissioner Cathy Engelbert on multiple fronts Tuesday, describing her handling of league-wide complaints over officiating as “negligence.”
Speaking at her end-of-season exit interview, Collier read from a prepared statement as she listed her issues with the league office, describing the WNBA as having “the worst leadership in the world.”
“The real threat to our league isn’t money,” Collier said. “It isn’t ratings or even missed calls or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
She added, in regards to officiating: “Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating, and it’s not reached the levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity in which it operates. Whether the league cares about the players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage.”
Collier said she asked Engelbert directly about how the commissioner would address concerns over referees during an Unrivaled league game earlier this year, and Collier quoted Engelbert as saying “Only the losers complain about the refs.”
Collier also criticized Engelbert over player salaries.
The WNBA has seen a significant increase in viewership over the last two seasons, thanks in part to the arrival of phenom Caitlin Clark.
Collier’s combative comments come as the league and its players are on the verge of a work stoppage with league’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire next month, and players are expected to ask for a larger share of revenue, which pales in comparison to other professional leagues.
Collier said she asked Engelbert how she planned to fix the low salaries of younger players in the league who were driving massive interest, citing Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers as examples.
“[Engelbert’s] response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,’” Collier said.
Collier also claimed Engelbert said “Players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them,” referencing the 11-year television deal that is reportedly valued at over $200 million a year.
(On Tuesday, the league announced a separate 11-year television deal with Versant.)
“We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn’t value us,” Collier said. “The league believes it succeeds despite its players, not because of them.”
Engelbert, in a statement to NBC News said “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 conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”
Collier and Minnesota were at the center of an officiating controversy during their second-round playoff loss to the Phoenix Mercury. After a Game 3 loss during which Collier was injured and Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve was ejected, Reeve called for a change of leadership with regards to officiating.
Said Reeve: “For the leadership to deem those three [referees] semifinals playoff worthy is f—ing malpractice.”
Reeve was suspended for the following game.
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