Deandre Campbell
Oct 7, 2025
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has withdrawn from a scheduled meeting with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, citing frustration over “inconsistent leadership” and “denied remarks.” The cancellation comes weeks before the league’s CBA expires, intensifying pressure on the WNBA to address player demands for transparency, pay equity, and respect.
BREAKING: Napheesa Collier Cancels Meeting with WNBA Commissioner, Citing “Lack of Accountability”
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier has made headlines by canceling a highly anticipated meeting with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, a decision she attributes to a perceived “lack of accountability” demonstrated by the league’s top executive in her recent public statements and actions.
According to detailed reports from major news outlets including ESPN, Axios, and Reuters, Collier’s decision to withdraw from this meeting comes on the heels of escalating frustration regarding Engelbert’s alleged private comments. These remarks reportedly suggested that elite players, such as Caitlin Clark, should exhibit a sense of gratitude for the opportunities provided by the WNBA and should, metaphorically speaking, “be on their knees” in appreciation for the platform the league offers. Engelbert has publicly denied making these statements, a denial that Collier interprets as indicative of broader issues within the league’s leadership structure.
Sources close to the ongoing situation have indicated that the disagreement between Collier and Engelbert has reached a point described as “beyond repair.” The canceled meeting was not merely a formality; it was expected to delve into critical discussions about player treatment, league accountability, and the overall direction of the WNBA. This cancellation comes at a particularly crucial juncture, as the WNBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement is set to expire on October 31, amplifying the urgency for constructive dialogue between players and league officials.
In light of Collier’s stance, players across the WNBA are reportedly rallying around her position, collectively advocating for better pay, equitable revenue sharing, and a call for more transparent leadership as the league approaches its next round of negotiations. This unified front among players signals a growing awareness and demand for systemic change within the league, as they seek to ensure their voices are heard and their contributions recognized.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who was responsible for appointing Engelbert as the WNBA Commissioner, has characterized the ongoing dispute as part of the league’s “growing pains.” He expressed cautious optimism regarding the future, suggesting that there is potential for the league to “repair relationships and move forward stronger.” However, many players and analysts remain skeptical, questioning whether the league can truly address the underlying issues that have led to this rift.
The fallout from this incident underscores the rising tension between players and the league office, highlighting significant concerns about the effectiveness of the WNBA’s leadership, especially as it heads into what is anticipated to be one of the most pivotal off-seasons in its history. As players demand accountability and equitable treatment, the league faces the challenge of navigating these complex dynamics while striving to maintain its growth and popularity in the competitive landscape of professional sports.