LOS ANGELES – The growing rift between WNBA star Napheesa Collier and league commissioner Cathy Engelbert deepened this week after Collier reportedly cancelled a meeting scheduled for next week, ESPN reported on October 4.Tensions spiked following Collier’s fiery remarks on September 30, when she accused Engelbert and the league of having “the worst leadership in the world” and alleged that the commissioner made disparaging comments about top players and failed to address poor officiating standards.
Although Collier later texted Engelbert expressing openness to further dialogue, sources told ESPN that Engelbert’s rebuttal, calling Collier’s account of a past private conversation “inaccurate”, has “pretty much pushed the relationship beyond repair.” A league spokesperson said Engelbert had not been formally informed about the cancellation as of Saturday evening.
Collier, a Minnesota Lynx standout and vice-president of the WNBA Players Association, has become a key voice as talks continue over a new collective bargaining agreement set to expire October 31. During a recent news conference, she claimed Engelbert minimized concerns about rookie pay disparities for rising stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, allegedly saying they should be “grateful” for league-provided platforms.
Responding on October 3 before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, Engelbert denied making those remarks but acknowledged player frustrations. She reiterated her respect for players and emphasized efforts toward a “transformative” new CBA including major salary and benefit improvements. Despite her optimism about rebuilding trust, unresolved tension between the league office and star players looms large just weeks before the current agreement’s expiry.