Caitlyn Clark Draws Attention from Naphesa Collier

Following the Minnesota Lynx’s recent elimination from the WNBA playoffs at the hands of the Phoenix Mercury, the focus has shifted to player comments that have stirred up discussion across the league.

Phoenix is now set to take on the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA Finals. In a surprising exit interview, Lynx forward Naphesa Collier expressed strong feelings about the league’s leadership, particularly targeting Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

While praising the WNBA’s fan base and talent, Collier stated, “the best fans in the world, the best players in the world, but the worst leadership in the world.” She mentioned a conversation with Engelbert where the commissioner suggested that Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark should be “grateful” for the support the WNBA provides her.

According to Collier, it seems Engelbert attributed Clark’s sponsorship deals to the platform offered by the league. “I asked how she intended to address the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers should be thankful,” Collier recounted. “Caitlin needs to be grateful for making $16 million because of the WNBA.” She added that players owe their success to what she termed a “lucky media rights deal.”

Collier’s comments have sparked conversations about freedom of speech within the league, especially when she mused about the possibility of facing repercussions for her statements. “It feels like you can get fined for just expressing your thoughts,” she remarked.

In the aftermath, Engelbert’s response seems muted, leaving fans and players alike wondering about the future direction of the league’s governance.