WNBA faces leadership backlash during historic growth
As the WNBA Finals tip off Friday between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury, the spotlight on the court is being overshadowed by a growing clash off it.
(NBC)- As the WNBA Finals tip off Friday between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury, the spotlight on the court is being overshadowed by a growing clash off it.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier delivered a scathing rebuke of league leadership this week, saying: “The real threat to our league isn’t money. It isn’t ratings or missed calls. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
Her frustration came after an injury during the playoffs and a non-call that sparked outrage from Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who was fined and ejected for criticizing officiating. Players and coaches across the league have complained more openly this season about refereeing standards, pay inequities, and leadership.
The backlash comes even as the league celebrates record-breaking attendance and viewership, announces plans to add six new teams by 2030, and secures a new media rights package worth $200 million annually.
Collier also revealed details of a private conversation with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert about salaries, saying Engelbert suggested that Caitlin Clark should be “grateful” for endorsement earnings off the court. Clark has not commented, but stars like Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers have publicly shown support for Collier.
In response, Engelbert said in a statement that she has the “utmost respect” for Collier and all players, but was “disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership.”
The timing is critical, with the players’ union’s collective bargaining agreement set to expire this month. Whether these tensions spill into labor negotiations remains to be seen, but the debate over pay, officiating, and leadership has already made this one of the most pivotal moments in WNBA history.
