Naphesa Collier Speaks Out After Controversial Exit Interview

Naphesa Collier made waves in the sports world with her outspoken exit interview, and she’s now offering insights into her bold decision.

During a conversation with former vice president Kamala Harris, the Lynx star elaborated on her critical remarks directed at WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert during the season-ending media session.

At 29, Collier didn’t hold back, describing the leadership as “the world’s worst” amid stagnating Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations.

“As part of the union for CBA negotiations, I’ve been privy to the discussions happening behind the scenes,” Collier shared at the “Day of Unjust Conversation” summit. “For a long time, we engaged in these talks, hoping for progress, but I noticed nothing had really shifted.”

In her post-game press conference after a playoff loss to Phoenix Mercury, she recalled a private conversation with Engelbert, where the commissioner suggested that players should be grateful for the media rights deal she had secured.

“I think I just reached a point where I was fed up,” Collier confided to Harris. “I had to believe what I was doing was right, regardless of the backlash or support I might receive.”

“I felt that was something I needed to voice,” she continued. “I had to say it.”

Although Collier was set to meet with Engelbert next week, Minnesota’s team canceled the meeting after the commissioner chose not to respond to her fiery address.

Reports indicate that Engelbert’s refusal to engage has strained her relationship with players. The WNBA Players Association is currently advocating for better pay and enhanced revenue sharing as part of ongoing CBA negotiations. If an agreement isn’t reached by October 31, a potential lockout looms on the horizon.