Napheesa Collier’s exit interview went viral as she took four minutes to share her special speech criticizing the WNBA Commissioner. At the time, she was not a Lynx player but vice president of the WNBPA, the post she holds and looks to fulfil her duties. Her speech stunned many, but the league players stood beside the 28-year-old forward. Kahleah Copper joins the group as she also shows her support.
So far, rookies like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese showed their backing while Veterans like A’ja Wilson showed support for Collier. The WNBPA’s top management, including President Nneka Ogwumike and Vice President Breanna Stewart, spoke on behalf of Collier, and the list is growing.
Kahleah Copper Supports Napheesa Collier
The Phoenix Mercury, in preparing for the WNBA final, had an impressive season with many positives for the three-time champions. But that doesn’t separate them from the ongoing WNBA vs players saga.
Lynx HC Cheryl Reeve was the first one with harsh criticism, while Collier gave the league a final blow with her fiery speech that showed the league’s negative intentions and approach towards the players. When an ESPN reporter asked the Mercury’s offensive forward, Kahleah Copper, about her views on the topic, she was ‘ready’ with the answer.
“We are in heavy support. We got to get to four, and then we can go full throttle. I’m in there and I want to talk about it,” Copper said.
Kahleah Copper says she is “standing behind (Napheesa Collier). We are in heavy support.”
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) October 2, 2025
She said that she’s locked in on the Finals now, so is trying to compartmentalize everything. But, she added “We got to get four and then we can go full throttle. I’m in there and I want…
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In her speech, the Lynx forward already mentioned that her criticism had nothing to do with the loss against the Mercury and congratulated the Phoenix side on their win in the semifinal. However, it now appears that, after winning the title, the Mercury players will also join in criticizing the league authorities following the final. And as for the WNBA finals, the Mercury team is confident and ready to challenge the Aces.
Kahleah Copper Shows Faith In Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury defeated the 2024 WNBA finalists en route to their final. All five wins in the playoffs were impressive, wherein they made a strong comeback in some or completely dominated the games. Their losses were also not heavy, showing their ability to step up to any challenge. The 31-year-old forward had no doubt about her team in the postseason.
“I texted Nate after we lost to Minnesota, and we were home. I was like, ‘I like us.’ ‘Us’ has been our saying all season, and I’ve probably sent him that text twice after games, and it was just seeing our fight,” Copper showed belief in her team.
Alyssa Thomas channeled bold Championship Mentality after the Phoenix Mercury defeated the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 and intends to continue with the run. The rookies delivering to their best capacity, the veterans showing their experience on the floor, and stars delivering on a nightly basis have been key to their success.
The team overcame most challenges and now faces the second-best team of the 2025 season, the Las Vegas Aces, in the final. The Mercury will start their final series against the Aces at the Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 3 at 5 PM.