Napheesa Collier boldly declares WNBA leadership as “worst in the world” ahead of CBA negotiations

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier called out the WNBA's leadership during her exit interview on Tuesday. Her criticism comes as the players, led by the WNBPA, are in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

"We have the best league in the world," Collier said. "We have the best fans in the world. But we have the worst leadership in the world."

The current CBA, which was signed in 2020, is set to expire on Oct. 31. The players' union opted out of the previous agreement, and no agreement has been reached yet.

The WNBA has seen its popularity skyrocket, and as a result, the players want a larger share of league-generated revenue. The league, on the other hand, is pushing back, asserting that sustainability must be maintained.

During the 2025 All-Star Game, players protested with black warm-up shirts, which read "Pay Us What You Owe Us." Over 40 players attended an in-person bargaining meeting in Indianapolis, which was described as a missed opportunity by the players in attendance.

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Napheesa Collier reveals conversation with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert

Napheesa Collier was in the middle of a row between her coach, Cheryl Reeve, and the league over a refereeing decision. During her exit interview on Tuesday, she revealed details of the conversation she had with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

"Only losers complain about the refs," Cathy Engelbert reportedly told Collier.

Mitchell Hansen

@M_Hansen13

Napheesa Collier continued in her statement, saying Cathy Engelbert told Colllier "only losers complain about the refs." "We go to battle every day to protect a shield for a league that doesn't value us." #WNBA

It all began during Game 3 of the WNBA semifinals between the Lynx and Phoenix Mercury. A controversial non-call late in the game saw Napheesa Collier injure her ankle after a collision with Mercury's Alyssa Thomas. With 21.8 seconds left in the game, Coach Reeve was ejected, and she subsequently charged at the game official.

During her presser, she harshly criticized the officiating crew. The WNBA imposed a record fine of $15,000 on Reeve and suspended her for Game 4 of the series. Lynx assistant coaches, Eric Thibault and Rebekkah Brunson, were also fined for separate infractions.

Coach Reeve was defended by Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon. Coach White was fined $1000, while Coach Hammon received the same amount as a fine, for their comments.