Stacey Dales Critiques WNBA Leadership Following Player’s Comments

Stacey Dales, a veteran reporter for the NFL Network and a former WNBA All-Star, expressed her frustrations with WNBA commissioner Kathy Engelbert after Lynx player Nafisa Collier criticized Engelbert’s leadership during a press conference on Tuesday, September 30, 2025.

Dales recounted feeling sidelined by Engelbert and the WNBA since her retirement in 2008. She recalled, “We hosted a major WNBA event a few years back in Toronto. It was fantastic—you know, the introduction for the local team was exceptional. I did it for free, yet I’ve never received any acknowledgment from Cathy or the league.” This sense of neglect lingered as she added, “It’s odd. I left feeling like she hardly knew who I was, or even cared.”

In contrast, Dales noted that her experiences with the NFL have been quite positive. “I’ve been treated very well by the NFL, which makes this whole situation feel even more disheartening,” she remarked.

Engelbert has been at the helm of the WNBA since July 2019, following her tenure as CEO of Deloitte. Dales was selected as the third overall pick by the Washington Mystics in the 2002 WNBA Draft and had a successful seven-year career there, including playing for the Chicago Sky. She also represented Canada at the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Dales’ comments come on the heels of Collier’s public criticisms during her post-season press conference, where she voiced her concerns regarding Engelbert’s leadership. Collier recounted a conversation with Engelbert where she felt dismissed, saying, “Only the losers complain,” and argued that despite the talent in the league, “we have the worst leadership in the world.”

Collier raised significant issues about the pay disparities affecting young WNBA players and emphasized the need for change, stating, “Engelbert’s response implied players should just be grateful.”

Collier’s critique followed her own disappointment after suffering a severe ankle injury during a playoff game against the Phoenix Mercury, a situation that spiraled further when Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve reacted to the game’s officiating and was subsequently fined and suspended.

Reports suggest Engelbert may be stepping down after the upcoming collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, stirring more discussion about the league’s leadership moving forward.

The WNBA Players Association voiced their support for Collier, affirming that many players resonate with her sentiments. In response, Engelbert acknowledged the criticism but maintained a commitment to recognizing and improving relationships with players: “We respect Nafisa Collier and all our players. While I’m disappointed with how she characterized our discussions, our dedication to enhancing the league and its future remains steadfast,” she stated.

Dales’ career has included significant milestones, having joined the NFL Network in 2009 after spending seven years with ESPN and ABC, where she covered a wide range of sports. A notable figure in collegiate women’s basketball, she achieved impressive stats during her time at the University of Oklahoma, marking her as a prominent player in the sport’s history.