During the exit interview, Napheesa Collier criticized Cathy Engelbert for a lack of accountability. A serious allegation that dents the WNBA Commissioner’s image, especially during the CBA negotiations. But more importantly, the Lynx forward provided an example for most of her allegations, making it authentic and more relatable for fans.
Her four-minute speech might have destroyed Engelbert’s career as the WNBA Commissioner, but ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike has other reasons that actually started the whole issue.
Chiney Ogwumike Slams Cathy Engelbert
The 28-year-old former UConn player’s speech had many points that put the WNBA Commissioner in a bad light, as many fans, players, and analysts thrashed Engelbert for everything, but ESPN analyst Chiney Ogwumike pinpointed the one issue: a communication gap.
“[Engelbert] said ‘[I’ve] never shied away from tough situations.’ But unfortunately, the reality is she’s shied away from tough conversations, which is a negotiation. “In order to have a negotiation, you have to have conversations. And I think it’s apparent, abundantly clear, that there has been a great divide between the players and our commissioner, or the league office, in order to have productive conversations. And now, Napheesa’s statement… is accountability,” Chiney Ogwumike said.
The WNBPA members said that they will not play next season unless they reach a CBA conclusion. Chiney, though, added that the WNBA players are playing their role to get to a point where they avoid a lockout.
"She said '[I've] never shied away from tough situations.' But unfortunately, the reality is, she’s shied away from tough conversations.”
— espnW (@espnW) October 4, 2025
—@chiney on Cathy Engelbert's leadership and response to Napheesa Collier's comments pic.twitter.com/iJbxWoJ1Jv
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She even highlighted that the players play hard on the floor and entertain the fans, but to keep this product on the floor, Engelbert must have conversations. It’s important to know that Chiney Ogwumike is the sister of Nneka Ogwumike, who is the president of WNBPA.
Cathy Engelbert Denies Making Alleged Caitlin Clark Remarks
Even though Cathy Engelbert hasn’t commented on Napheesa Collier’s every allegation, she took one particular claim that did the most damage – her comments on Caitlin Clark’s earnings and how CC should be thankful to the WNBA. She took the stage during the WNBA finals and tried to clear the narrative.
“Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game. She’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game, proud of what she’s put on the court. Unfortunately, the injuries held her back from a full season this year,” Englebert said.
While she spoke a few words, her denial clearly created confusion in the fans’ minds, who are now wondering who is telling the truth. But the players like A’ja Wilson, Caitlin Clark, and Kahleah Copper voiced support for Collier, and the WNBA is showing support to its commissioner. Caitlin Clark herself said that Engelbert hasn’t called her yet. With the gap between the two factions widening, the league is suffering at the moment.