The Minnesota Lynx have made quite a stir in WNBA circles lately. First, head coach Cheryl Reeve followed up on an in-game crash-out with a fiery postgame press conference that called for change at the leadership level to guarantee better officiating and player safety. She was fined $15,000 and suspended for Game 4 of the semifinals, which ended up being a heartbreaking, season-ending loss for the Lynx.
A few days later, Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier took the podium during her team’s exit interviews with a statement of her own. Collier boldly called out the lack of accountability at the leadership level and noted that the WNBA had “the worst leadership in the world.” She also argued that the WNBA doesn’t value its players—a dangerous shortcoming amid CBA negotiations that could very well lead to a lockout.
Collier’s comments quickly garnered support from several players and coaches. Angel Reese, Isabelle Harrison, Alysha Clark, Stephanie White, Lexie Hull, Elena Delle Donne, Natasha Cloud, Kalani Brown, DiJonai Carrington Paige Bueckers, and Nneka Ogwuimke all spoke or posted in support of Collier’s comments. Now, superstar A’ja Wilson has joined the list.
When Wilson was initially asked about Collier’s comments ahead of Game 5 against the Indiana Fever, she said she hadn’t had a chance to listen to them yet. After the game, she responded to Collier’s statement.
“I was honestly disgusted by the comments that Cathy made, but, at the same time, I’m very appreciative that we have people like Phee and our committee of our players’ association representing us because that’s what we’re going to have to continue to make the push to stand on what we believe in,” Wilson said. She also added, “Moving forward, we’ve got to continue to stand on business as we talk about this CBA negotiation.”
Wilson is the WNBA’s biggest star and this year’s MVP and co-DPOY. Gaining her support was invaluable. Star power like Wilson’s doesn’t just impact things on the basketball court.
A’ja Wilson is the best player in the league right now
A’ja Wilson has found more success than any other active WNBA player and is already considered one of the GOATs of women’s basketball despite only playing eight professional seasons. Over those eight seasons, Wilson has won a historic four MVP awards. She was also named Defensive Player of the Year three times, made seven All-Star teams, and led the league in scoring twice and in blocks five times. Wilson is also a two-time champion on track to win her third title with the Aces.
Wilson’s success hasn’t been limited to the basketball court, though. Nike launched Wilson’s signature shoe earlier this year. The first colorway sold out within minutes after being released.