Explosive Napheesa Collier comments show she's perfect lead for WNBA revolt

The players of the WNBA might have to go up against one another during games, but their real opponent is much larger, Napheesa Collier told reporters during the Lynx's exit interviews, Tuesday, September 30. Her four-minute speech offered unprecedented insight into the mentality that is likely shared by many players in the WNBA, and also made one thing clear: Collier is uniquely poised to become a true leader of the WNBA as the athletes continue CBA negotiations and hover closer to a lockout ahead of the 2026 season — and the WNBA is lucky to have her.

"The real threat to the league isn't money, it isn't ratings, or even missed calls, or even physical play," Collier said, a reference to concerns about officiating that have been repeatedly raised throughout the regular and postseason. "It's the lack of accountability from the league's office."

The lack of "inconsistency" when it comes to officiating a game is dangerous, she added, and "undermines [the] integrity" of the game. As she also said, "Whether the league cares about the health of the players is one thing. But to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self-sabotage."

The WNBA has a "buzzword" they "rolled out as talking points for the CBA," Collier continued — a buzzword that leadership reportedly used to explain "why they can't pay the players what we're worth. That word is sustainability." Unfortunately, she added, "what's truly unsustainable is keeping a good product on the floor while allowing officials to lose control of games."

Here are a few of Collier's key claims:

Collier claims Cathy Engelbert said "only losers" complain about refs

Collier and Engelbert reportedly had a conversation in February 2025 about complaints about refereeing in the WNBA. Collier said she asked Engelbert what solutions she has, but was met with a rude dismissal: "only the losers complain about the refs."

Collier accused Engelbert of taking credit for Caitlin Clark's success

The conversation between the pair also shifted toward the new group of players who joined the league as rookies in 2024 and 2025, including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. Engelbert reportedly told Collier that Clark specifically "should be grateful she made $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything" and that "players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that [Engelbert] got them."

"We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn't value us. The league believes it succeeds despite its players, not because of them," she added.

Collier knows what it takes to be a leader

In addition to her own work as a cofounder of Unrivaled and as vice president to the WNBPA, Collier also said she watches her husband work in a similar role as Engelbert and isn't impressed by what she's seen with the WNBA. Collier is married to Alex Bazzell, the president of Unrivaled.

"I have the privilege of watching my husband run a week where he has to balance 100 different things at once," she explained. "I won't pretend the job's easy, but even with all that on display, he always takes the time to reach out to players when he sees an injury, whether it's Unrivaled or even during the WNBA season. That is what leadership looks like."

What's missing from the WNBA is a "human element," she continued.

Cathy Engelbert has not contacted Collier to speak about these issues

Collier wrapped things up by asserting that Engelbert has not reached out to her at all. "I've gotten calls, texts, and well wishes from so many players across the league," Collier said. "Those moments remind me that sometimes there are things bigger than the results of ... this game we play. But do you know who I haven't heard from?"

"Cathy," she continued. "Not one call, not one text. Instead, the only outreach has come from her number two, telling my agent that she doesn't believe physical play is contributing to injuries."

Collier insisted she's attempted to have the same conversation behind closed doors but to no avail, and was left with no option but the nuclear one.