Napheesa Collier stunned the basketball world when she sat down for her Minnesota Lynx exit interview on Tuesday afternoon.
Collier, the Lynx’s typically mild-mannered star, called out a lack of accountability from the league office and issued a scathing critique of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Collier clarified she was only speaking for herself, but in the ensuing hours, it became increasingly clear that players across the league resonated with her remarks.
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Some highlights from Collier’s four-minute prepared remark, which called out inconsistent officiating, insufficient player wages, and a lack of respect from the league office:
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On the league leadership: “We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But right now we have the worst leadership in the world.”
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On WNBA rookies making less than $70K a year: “I also asked how she [Engelbert] planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel and Paige, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years. Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.’”
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On the WNBA’s media rights deal: “In that same conversation, she told me ‘players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.’”
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On Engelbert not checking in on Collier post-ankle injury: “But do you know who I haven’t heard from? Cathy. Not one call, not one text. Instead, the only outreach has come from her No. 2 telling my agent that she doesn’t believe physical play is contributing to injuries.”
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On the WNBA fining players and coaches who call out officiating/the league: “Our leadership’s answer to being held accountable is to suppress everyone’s voices by handing out fines. I’m not concerned about a fine. I’m concerned about the future of our sport.”
Cathy Engelbert issued a relatively tempered statement in response to Collier’s remarks, which included her saying: “I am disheartened by how Napheesa Collier characterized our conversation and league leadership.”
Players across the WNBA are standing with Napheesa Collier
Already, dozens of WNBA players have spoken out in support of her, with players turning to X, Instagram, and the press to affirm Collier’s remarks.
Chicago Sky star Angel Reese wrote: “10/10. No notes!”
Los Angeles Sparks star Dearica Hamby thanked Collier for her bravery.
WNBA veteran Alysha Clark, also a member of the players’ union, turned to X.
Retired WNBA legend Elena Delle Donne took the opportunity to share that Engelbert did not reach out to her post-retirement.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull told reporters before the Fever’s Game 5 that she stood with Collier: “I think I agree with everything she said. We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made, and so you’re seeing her talk about that and really proud of her for making that statement today.”
And, a long list of players shared Collier’s message on Instagram or tweeted out in support — including:
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Lynx guards DiJonai Carrington, Kayla McBride, Natisha Hiedeman, and Bridget Carleton
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Chicago Sky players Rachel Banham, Michael Onyenwere, Maddy Westbeld, and Kia Nurse
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New York Liberty players Isabelle Harrison and Natasha Cloud
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Connecticut Sun players Marina Mabrey and Aaliyah Edwards
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Los Angeles Sparks players Rae Burrell, Cameron Brink
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Seattle Storm players Nneka Ogwumike and Brittney Sykes
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Phoenix Mercury player Kalani Brown
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Indiana Fever player Natasha Howard
And, perhaps most visibly, A’ja Wilson, fresh off a big Game 5 win on Tuesday night, affirmed her support for Collier.
“I was honestly disgusted by the comments that Cathy made, but at the same time, I’m very appreciative that we have people like Phee in our committee of our players’ association, representing us,” Wilson said unprompted at the podium.
What will happen next in the battle between the players and WNBA leadership remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Collier may have said she spoke just for herself, but her comments resonated with players from across the WNBA.
