A new report reveals the WNBA rejected an equity share proposal from Unrivaled, the 3-on-3 league co-founded by Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, months before Collier’s explosive clash with commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
While the outburst has already been a turmoil, the ongoing tension between the league and its players is setting the stage for a much broader juncture that nobody is talking about.
WNBA Reportedly Rejected Unrivaled’s Equity Share Proposal Before Napheesa Collier-Cathy Engelbert
As the CBA talks near their October 31 deadline, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has expressed confidence in resolving the issue with the WNBA’s labor dispute. However, a recent ESPN report revealed what happened earlier this year between Collier and Engelbert that potentially orchestrated the recent outburst.
As ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne and Kendra Andrews reported, the WNBA abruptly dismissed Unrivaled’s equity offer aimed to integrate the rival league into its ecosystem. However, the league saw it as a threat, preferring to maintain control over player opportunities.
Why does it matter that Napheesa Collier cancelled her meeting this week with Cathy Engelbert? Commissioners don’t have to be loved to be effective. Reporting with @kendra__andrews on an inflection point for the WNBA. https://t.co/aEO6BJ98t5
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) October 6, 2025
This rejection came before Collier’s September 30 accusations that Engelbert dismissed player concerns, including salary disparities for stars like Caitlin Clark. The timing suggests a brewing conflict, with Unrivaled’s $220,000 salary average posing a direct challenge to the biggest league for women’s sports.
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
Additionally, veteran Jason Whitlock even linked the 3×3 league’s success to a potential WNBA lockout. He might not be completely right, but he’s not wrong either. The move alienated players like Collier, who co-owns Unrivaled, and may have hardened her stance. As the league faces a potential lockout, this decision looms large in the CBA negotiations.
Napheesa Collier Opens Up After Calling Out Cathy Engelbert
Post-interview, Collier elaborated on her defense of Engelbert, defending her stance against the commissioner’s alleged negligence. She also revealed private conversations where Engelbert reportedly downplayed player safety and pay, fueling her “worst leadership” claim.
“I just got to the point where I was fed up. No matter the consequences, I felt like it was something that needed to be done,” she said.
Napheesa Collier told former VP Kamala Harris why she criticized WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert:
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) October 7, 2025
“I think I just got to the point where I was fed up… No matter the consequences I felt like it was something that needed to be done.”pic.twitter.com/zEobUNXnDC
Collier’s canceled planned meeting with Engelbert, reported after her denial, only fueled their rift.