Napheesa Collier covered all the points she wanted to highlight in her speech as she criticized Cathy Engelbert during her exit interview. One of the most shocking criticisms Phee made was the way the league commissioner views her star rookie players, who bring in new fans and generate the most revenue for the league, citing examples of stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese.
While Paige Bueckers showed her support for Collier, it was time for CC to give her views on the comments, as she was the focal point of the discussion, and even Engelbert used her as an example.
Caitlin Clark Yet To Receive Call From Cathy Engelbert
The CBA negotiations have stalled with revenue sharing and salaries as unresolved issues in the discussions. While the Lynx forward tried to show how the rookies’ salaries are less, even though they are bringing in most revenue to the league, Engelbert’s comments were very disturbing.
“Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t be making anything,” the league Commissioner told Phee. ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt thrashed Cathy Engelbert for her bold comment, showing support for Clark. But the Fever playmaker chose not to talk directly about Engelbert as she attended the exit interview.
Breaking 🚨:So after those disgusting alleged comments, Cathy Engelbert made about Caitlin Clark, she did not even call Clark to clarify or apologize?? Why is she the commissioner of the league ?? 🚨
— Michael (@mikeaalen112735) October 2, 2025
pic.twitter.com/5Sf9V5wZh8
“I have a lot of great respect for Phee, and I think she made a lot of very valid points. And, you know, I think what people need to understand is we need great leadership in this time across all levels. This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history. This league’s been around for 25-plus years, and this is a moment we have to capitalize on. So that’s honestly what I would say. I think Phee said it all with what she said,” Clark responded to the question about Collier’s speech.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
She even said that there is no contact from Engelbert after Collier’s statements, which even supports the 28-year-old forward’s point in criticism.
“I’d say the most important part of leadership, whether the WNBA (or in) whether corporate America, comes down to relationships and really caring about the people you surround yourself with,” Clark added.
While every player and even analysts are in sync when it comes to leadership, the WNBA needs to rethink its approach in the CBA during this delicate time. As for Clark, she already faced a lot of ‘hate’.
WNBA Not Treating Caitlin Clark Well
While Cathy Engelbert’s alleged comments clearly showed her perception of the Fever rookie, her actions also show the same. A’ja Wilson received the MVP award in the Aces’ training facility, Paige Bueckers received the Rookie of the Year Teophy during her talk show entrance, while CC received a phone call for her Rookie of the Year accolade.
Even the foul inconsistency narrative took over the league when fans, analysts, and Fever coaching staff highlighted the difference in ‘foul calls’ for the 23-year-old guard and the rest of the team. Many former NBA and WNBA players have constantly reminded the league that the 2024 rookie is the face of the WNBA, and for many, the treatment given to her is completely contradictory to her status.
In 2024, there were rumors about the Fever superstar leaving the WNBA to play in Europe, and the WNBA would not want to see its prized asset play in rival leagues.