Caitlin Clark mentioned in shocking comments condemning WNBA commissioner: ‘Should be grateful’

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Five-time WNBA All-Star Napheesa Collier shocked the sports world Tuesday as she opened up her end-of-season media availability with a 4 minute and 23 second prepared statement condemning the WNBA leadership, specifically commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

“Right now, we have the worst leadership in the world,” said Collier, who plays for the Minnesota Lynx. “The real threat to our league isn’t money. It isn’t ratings or even missed calls, or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from our league office.”

During Collier’s comments, she relayed a conversation she had with Engelbert when they were together at Unrivaled in February. Collier said she asked Engelbert why league superstars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers were “making so little in their first four years” when they have been big drivers of revenue for the growing league.

Englebert’s response was shocking, according to Collier.

“Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,” Engelbert allegedly said.

Collier said Engelbert went on to say that “players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.”

News 8 reached out to the Indiana Fever in response to the statement. Clark officially has no comment “at this time,” the team said. Clark will be made available during exit interviews at the end of the season, whenever that may be.

The Fever are currently in Las Vegas preparing for an elimination Game 5 of the WNBA Semifinals against the Aces, which tips off at 9:30 p.m. Eastern Tuesday. Clark will not be on the court, as she was ruled out for the season last month with a nagging groin injury.

Collier’s comments went on to condemn how the league office handles concerns about fair officiating, injuries and conversations around the collective bargaining agreement and higher pay — all of which Collier claims the league is unwilling to hear perspectives from players and coaches.

“The league has made it clear it isn’t about innovation. It isn’t about collaboration. It’s about control and power,” Collier said. “We serve a league that has shown they think championship coaches and hall of fame players are dispensable.”

Fever head coach Stephanie White, who has been fined for her comments on league matters before, talked about standing with Collier after shootaround in Las Vegas Tuesday.

“I have a lot of respect for Collier,” White said. “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.”

Fever guard Lexie Hull also made a point to stand in agreement with Collier.

“It’s exciting to see players speak out and speak up about what’s going on in our league, and where our league can go, and the changes that need to be made. I agree with everything she said. I think we’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made,” Hull said.

Engelbert released a statement Tuesday afternoon in response to the comments, saying:

“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA. Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game.  I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”

The Fever are fighting for the final spot in the WNBA Finals. It would be the franchise’s first finals appearance since 2015. The Phoenix Mercury beat Collier’s Minnesota Lynx to lock in their spot in the fight for a championship.

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