Napheesa Collier had plenty to say about WNBA Commissioner and the league's leadership today. Collier kicked off her exit interview with Minnesota Lynx reporters with a prepared statement in which she laid out her grievances with the league, including that players are not valued to the degree that they should be, that the league has the "worst leadership," and that Engelbert reportedly said that younger players such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers should "be grateful" for endorsement deal opportunities she believes are provided by their association with the WNBA.
While not everyone has spoken out in support of or against Collier's lengthy and defiant statement, plenty of athletes from the WNBA (and even a few outside of the league) have.
Angel Reese tweeted simply, "10/10. No notes!" soon after news of Collier's statement was shared.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton wrote via X, "Whew."
Isabelle Harrison took a stronger, more obvious approach and added, "Standing with Phee" alongside three applause emoji.
Look at how they hire and train new officials. Look at how they promote new officials and from where
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) September 30, 2025
Refs get trained in the Gleague. If they aren't good there because there is very little investment made in training them there, how are they going to be good when they get to… https://t.co/kDJOrvGHmC
Mark Cuban, minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, wrote, "Look at how they hire and train new officials. Look at home they promote new officials and from where. Refs get trained in the Gleague. If they aren't good there because there is very little investment made in training them there, how are they going to be good when they get to the Wnba or NBA?"
If you’re not following Napheesa Collier’s press conference right now, you should be. Wow. Don’t know when I’ve ever I’ve seen an active player take such direct and personal aim at a league and commissioner
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) September 30, 2025
ESPN senior writer Ramona Shelburne wrote via X, "If you’re not following Napheesa Collier’s press conference right now, you should be. Wow. Don’t know when I’ve ever I’ve seen an active player take such direct and personal aim at a league and commissioner."
Alysha Clark commented on a video of Collier's speech with several emoji, including three clapping hands.
Chelsea Gray on the status of CBA talks: "Not great, not where we thought and wanted to be at this point in time. We have a lot of work to do, more so on the W side and with Cathy, and understanding our value as a league, as players, and there's no league without the players."
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) September 30, 2025
ESPN's Alexa Philippou reported the comments of several Aces and Fever players, as well as that of Stephanie White:
"Not great, not where we thought and wanted to be at this point in time. We have a lot of work to do, more so on the W side and with Cathy, and understanding our value as a league, as players, and there's no league without the players," Chelsea Gray told Philippou.
A'ja Wilson told @katie_barnes3 that she hasn't had a chance to listen to Napheesa Collier's comments yet, but said, in part: "Just knowing Phee & what she believes in and what she stands for, I'm pretty sure she's gonna stand 10 toes down on that, & we're gonna be behind her."
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) October 1, 2025
She also noted that A'ja Wilson told a reporter, "Just knowing Phee & what she believes in and what she stands for, I'm pretty sure she's gonna stand 10 toes down on that, & we're gonna be behind her."
Stephanie White, in part, on Napheesa Collier's statement: "I have a lot of respect for Phee. ... . I'm thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change."
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) September 30, 2025
Coach Stephanie White said in part, "I have a lot of respect for Phee. ... I'm thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change."
Lexie Hull on Napheesa Collier's statement: "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."
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) September 30, 2025
Lexie Hull also said, "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."
Elena Delle Donne wrote via Instagram, "It's the care for the human part for me. I'm still not sure if Cathy knows I retired. Heard from everyone but her."
Caitlin Clark, who was mentioned in Collier's statement, so far has "no comment," the Fever has reported.