The relationship between WNBA players and commissioner Cathy Engelbert is strained. And Las Vegas Aces star and league MVP A’ja Wilson is well aware of that.
Negotiations between the league front office and the WNBPA over a new collective bargaining agreement have stalled. While the deadline for a deal is Oct. 31, that date is fast approaching with no resolution in sight.
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The tension has been compounded by multiple issues. Napheesa Collier revealed comments that Engelbert allegedly made about Caitlin Clark, and players have voiced complaints about officiating, further widening the rift between the league and its players.
What A’ja Wilson Wants to See in a WNBA Commissioner
Just before the Aces look to face the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Finals on Friday, Wilson gave her take on what she would like to see in a commissioner.
“I think the biggest thing for me is relationship building,” Wilson said. “Getting to know players and understanding us, what we want, what we believe in, and our stories.
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“I think that’s key for me. When I think of a commissioner or whatever, I’m looking at it as kind of like a coach, we’re trusting you to do things,” she added.
Amid the controversy surrounding Cathy Engelbert, some have begun floating different names as potential replacements.
Some of the names mentioned are former players or business executives. Among them are WNBA legend Lisa Leslie, Bethany Donaphin, Rasheeda Clark and others.
But for now, Engelbert still retains her position, and a change any time soon remains unlikely.
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