WNBA Players Rally Around Napheesa Collier After Sharp Critique of League Leadership
Support is pouring in from fellow WNBA players for Napheesa Collier after she delivered a striking critique of the league’s leadership, especially targeting commissioner Kathy Engelbert.
Collier didn’t hold back during her exit interview after the Minnesota Lynx were eliminated by the Mercury in the WNBA semi-finals, claiming the league suffers from “the worst leadership in the world.”
Since her remarks, multiple players throughout the league have voiced their backing for Collier, who is a five-time All-Star, particularly her comments made on Tuesday.
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese posted on X, commenting, “10/10. No notes!”
Dearica Hamby from the Los Angeles Sparks also took to social media, thanking Collier for her courage. She wrote, “@pheeseapieces Thank you for your courage!!!!!”
Cameron Brinks, another player from the Sparks, shared Collier’s over four-minute statement on his Instagram story. Meanwhile, WNBA Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers posted a picture with Collier, calling her “Queen Pea” and added a crown emoji.
“I think I align with everything [Collier] said,” said Lexy Hull of the Indiana Fever during a press conference in Las Vegas. She acknowledged the necessity for change in the league and expressed pride in Collier for speaking out.
New York Liberty player Isabel Harrison remarked, “Standing with Phee,” showcasing her solidarity.
The support from the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association) also came in, highlighting Collier’s role as a prominent leader within the union. They mentioned that her words resonate with many in the league, emphasizing that league officials would do well to heed her powerful statements.
Notably, WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark did not weigh in on Collier’s comments.
Collier’s statements included concerns about what she interpreted as a dismissive attitude from Engelbert toward players. During their conversation in February, Collier recounted asking Engelbert about how she intended to address issues surrounding hosting in the league. She expressed disappointment regarding the minimal earnings for prominent players like Clark, Reese, and Bueckers, despite the league’s substantial revenues.
Citing Engelbert’s response, Collier said she was told to be grateful for the opportunities the league provides, while also being reminded that it was Engelbert’s media rights deal that benefited the players.
In response to the criticisms, Engelbert issued a statement reflecting her respect for Collier and the players, though she expressed disappointment regarding Collier’s depiction of their conversation and the league’s leadership.
