The WNBA is facing mounting scrutiny as it reportedly delays the announcement of the All-Defensive Team. Originally slated for October 1, the reveal now hangs in limbo amid a firestorm of criticism aimed at commissioner Cathy Engelbert. This shift follows Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview.
During her interview, Collier criticized Engelbert for a lack of accountability and lambasted the league’s leadership as the “worst in the world.” And just like that, things started falling apart, and the latest development is far from positive.
WNBA Allegedly Delaying All-Defensive Team Announcement Amid Cathy Engelbert Drama
Collier’s four-minute prepared statement struck a nerve, accusing Engelbert of ignoring safety concerns and undervaluing stars like Caitlin Clark. Backed by teammates and rivals alike, her words amplified long-simmering frustrations over CBA negotiations and inconsistent refs.
The All-Defensive delay, confirmed by a league spokesperson to Front Office Sports, puts things in clear perspective. While the WNBA noted that award dates were subject to change, the timing feels significant as the WNBA Finals Game 1 between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury tips off on Friday.
The announcement for the WNBA All-Defensive teams has been rescheduled, a league spokesperson said.
— Annie Costabile (@AnnieCostabile) October 2, 2025
It was noted in the leagues original release that all dates are subject to change. pic.twitter.com/yp4nq9ir7M
The league’s pivot on the All-Defensive announcement landed like a poorly timed inbound pass. Annie Costabile of Front Office Sports reported Thursday that the reveal, initially set for October 1, has been rescheduled without a new date. A WNBA spokesperson confirmed the change but offered no specifics, per EssentiallySports.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
This comes after the league’s September 12 awards schedule already slipped from its original timeline. Players and fans see a link to the Engelbert backlash. Collier’s critique, delivered after the Lynx elimination, detailed Engelbert’s alleged CBA quips, such as telling her that Clark should be “grateful” for $16 million in off-court deals thanks to the WNBA’s platform.
She also claimed Engelbert dismissed officiating woes with the phrase “losers complain about refs” and urged players to kneel in thanks for their media rights. Engelbert’s response drew fire for its vagueness. Additionally, Fever guard Cunningham called Engelbert “delusional,” while Clark referred to Collier’s “valid” points.
Is This The End Of The Road For Cathy Engelbert?
Engelbert’s grip on the commissioner’s role faces its harshest test yet, but reports of her imminent exit remain unconfirmed. A Sports Business Journal piece on September 30 suggested she’d “likely exit” post-CBA due to “relationship-driven” pressures, citing sources who praised her business acumen but slammed her player rapport.
One insider quipped that she’d do a “victory lap” before returning to corporate. The WNBA shot back swiftly, labeling the speculation as “Categorically false,” a spokesperson told SBJ, with Engelbert remaining silent. Additionally, Clark fan Dave Portnoy even went further to blame Engelbert for undervaluing the Fever rookie’s Nike deal.
However, Collier’s blast only amplified the noise. As WNBPA vice president, she rallied support, with Wilson calling Engelbert’s alleged words “disgusting” and Stephen A. Smith demanding resignation on ESPN’s First Take.
Engelbert, a Deloitte alumnus since 2019, boasts wins such as a $2.2 billion media pact. Yet her “disheartened” reply to Collier drew “weak” labels from Smith. It would become clear only once there’s an official statement on the matter.