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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has responded to the fiery feedback made by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier.
Mere days earlier than the 2025 WNBA Finals tip-off, an important one-on-one battle is being staged removed from the hardwood.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has responded to a scathing evaluate put forth by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier. The five-time All-Star used little bit of her season-ending availability in Minneapolis to criticize Engelbert’s management because the league and its gamers put together to embark on a tenuous offseason that’s set to be outlined by a seek for a brand new collective bargaining settlement.
“I’ve the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all of the gamers within the WNBA. Collectively we now have all labored tirelessly to remodel this league,” Engelbert mentioned in an announcement launched by the league. “My focus stays on making certain a shiny future for the gamers and the WNBA, together with collaborating on how we proceed to raise the sport. I’m disheartened by how Napheesa characterised our conversations and league management, however even when our views differ, my dedication to the gamers and to this work won’t waver.”
Considered one of a number of vice presidents that sits on the gamers affiliation’s leaderboard, Collier minced no phrases in her season-closing statements, claiming the league is run by “the worst management on the planet” and revealing particulars from personal conversations with Engelbert. Collier’s feedback ought to little doubt increase the stress within the upcoming negotiations, as previous and current gamers alike have concurred along with her statements.
Lexie Hull, Gamers Help Collier’s Criticism of Management Amid CBA Talks
Responding on her Instagram story, two-time MVP Elena Delle Donne claimed that Engelbert didn’t attain out to her upon her official departure from the sport in April whereas Indiana Fever star Lexie Hull backed Collier in pregame statements earlier than her winner-take-all semifinal tilt with the Las Vegas Aces (9:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2), per Alexa Philippou of ESPN.
“I believe I agree with every little thing she mentioned,” Hull mentioned. “We’re at a extremely essential time within the league and adjustments should be made, and so that you’re seeing her speak about that and actually happy with her for making that assertion right this moment.”
Former WNBA star Elena Delle Donne spoke out in assist of Napheesa Collier talking out towards management. Delle Donne additionally had alternative phrases for Cathy Engelbert
(Elena Delle Donne/ IG) pic.twitter.com/UyH586Ppoj
— Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213) September 30, 2025
Initially set to run out in 2027, the present WNBA collective bargaining settlement expires on Oct. 31, two weeks after the final doable date of the Finals. The largest points across the negotiations heart upon income sharing, with the league receiving a number of important windfalls by way of a brand new media deal set to tip-off subsequent 12 months, in addition to giant enlargement charges being paid by possession squads from Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags
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