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Las Vegas Aces Star a’ja Wilson threw Wnba Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after the Players’ Association Vice President Napheesa Collier shared details of a conversation she had with Engelbert earlier this year, where the commissioner allegedly made dismissive and condescending remarks about the player’s concerns.
After Tuesday’s Games 5 Overtime Gains Over Indiana FeverThe four-time league MVP wasted no time tackling Collier’s previous comments called the league office.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert (L) presents A’Ja Wilson (22) from Las Vegas Aces with 2024 WNBA MVP Award in a news conference before Game 1 in 2024 WNBA Playoff’s first round between ACES and Seattle Storm in Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, the 22., 2024. (Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
“I was honestly disgusted by the comments made by Cathy. But at the same time, I am very much appreciated by the fact that we have people like Phee in our selection of players’ association that represent us because that is what we need to continue to put the pressure on what we believe,” Wilson began.
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“I am grateful to have these types of people could continue to speak for us.”
After the Minnesota Lynx was removed from the playoffs this weekend, Collier approached the media with a long -term statement expressing concern about the league and its leadership.
In addition to raising concern for player safety and official collier claimed Collier the biggest problem that Wnba is the “lack of accountability from the league office.” She then shared details of a conversation she had with Engelbert.
Las Vegas ACES Center A’Ja Wilson (22) prepares for tip-off against Washington Mystics during the first quarter of the Carefirst Arena in Washington, District of Columbia, August 23, 2025. (Rafael Suanes/Imag images)
Lynx’s Napheesa Collier shines against WNBA leadership, calls for officating changes
“I sat opposite Cathy (Engelbert) and asked how she planned to tackle the official problems of our league,” Collier said. “Her answer was,” Well, only the losers complain about the judges, “she said.
“I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin [Clark]Angel [Reese] and Paige [Bueckers]Obviously, massive revenue for the league does so little in their first four years. Her answer was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful that she earns $ 16 million from the field, because without the platform that WNBA gives her, she would not earn anything.’
“And in the same conversation, she told me ‘players should be on their knees and thank their lucky stars for the Media Law Agreement as I got them.’ It is the mentality that drives our league from the top.
Team Collier -Tip Napheesa Collier (24) looks at before 2025 WNBA All Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imag images)
Engelbert responded to the accusations in a statement and said she was “discouraged” of Collier’s characterization of their conversation.
“I have the greatest respect for Napheesa Collier and for all players in WNBA. Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and WNBA, including collaboration on how we continue to raise the game,” says her statement.
