No sports figure has been under fire over the last few days than WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Called out by Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier for having the “worst leadership in the world,” Engelbert took the podium before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury and admitted she and the rest of the league have to do a better job of looking after the players.
She also denied making dismissive comments about the WNBA’s biggest superstar and arguably the league’s cash cow, Caitlin Clark, emphasizing that numerous inaccurate reports had circulated over the last few days.
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“We have to do better and I have to do better,” she said.
Engelbert was placed in front of the spotlight after Collier called her out during her exit interview earlier this week. In a scathing four-minute statement, Collier pointed out numerous issues that are plaguing the women’s league, ranging from the quality of officiating to the inadequate salaries prominent young stars like Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese are receiving in their first few years in the league.
Although she had already released an initial statement immediately after Phee’s interview, Engelbert took the opportunity to address Collier’s comments during her media availability on Friday.
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“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa and for every single player in our league. They are at the center of everything we do. I was disheartened to hear that some players feel the league and me personally do not care about them or listen to them,” Engelbert said. “And if the players in the W don’t feel appreciated and valued by the league, then we have to do better and I have to do better.”
“We know how great these players are on and off the court, how much they mean to our league, our fans, and our communities. If they don’t feel that, I will do everything I can to change that,” she continued. “No one should ever doubt how deeply I care about this league, this game, and every single player who makes the WNBA what it is.”
Officiating concerns
One of the most pressing concerns the WNBA players have expressed over the last few seasons is the quality of officiating. In fact, missed calls like these are a major reason why players have been vocal about wanting to see change in the league.
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Engelbert conveyed that they have heard the calls for improved officiating quality and will create a “state-of-the-game” committee to ensure clear discussions between players and referees.
“As it relates to officiating and gameplay on the court, we hear the concerns. We take them seriously,” she said. “We are establishing a multi-stakeholder task force, call it like a state of the game committee, inviting player voices and other stakeholders to that table to ensure that our officiated platform evolves in step with the growth of the league.”
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According to ESPN’s Ryan Ruocco, a significant reason the controversy over the WNBA’s officiating has persisted for so long is the league’s failure to address it. Instead of acknowledging the concerns of the players and coaches, the league has issued hefty fines to anyone who dares to point out the obvious.
For the first time in what seemed like forever, Engelbert actually spoke about the issue.
“I think it’s pretty clear that we’re misaligned currently on what our stakeholders want from officiating. We have heard loud and clear that we have not lived up to that needed alignment and that attention and change is needed to serve the WNBA to the level of excellence that is not currently being met in the various stakeholders’ eyes,” Engelbert emphasized.
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Denied making comments about Caitlin Clark
The most controversial words that came from Phee’s statements were those allegedly attributed to the WNBA commissioner about Caitlin, the once-in-a-generation talent who helped transform the women’s basketball landscape. Phee alleged that when asked about the low salaries that Caitlin, Paige and Angel are making, despite their starring roles in elevating the WNBA’s profile,
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“Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,” Cathy said.
Engelbert vehemently denied making that comment.
“I did not make those comments,” she stressed. “Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game. She’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game. Proud of what she’s put on the court.”
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With the deadline for a new collective bargaining agreement closing, the WNBA and the players’ association have a lot of work to do to finalize a deal. However, Engelbert’s statements could be the olive branch that both sides need to come to a resolution.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
