After an exit from the playoffs, Napheesa Collier addressed the media with an unexpected speech. The fiery speech sparked a wildfire, and many believed it would burn down the WNBA league. Collier criticized Cathy Engelbert in her speech, and many WNBA players showed their support for the Lynx superstar.
Angered fans also demanded Cathy’s resignation, with many believing that 2025 would be her last season as WNBA Commissioner. However, the league dismisses all the rumors, showing its support for the executive.
WNBA Rubbishes Cathy Engelbert Resignation Rumors
Cheryl Reeve was the first one to criticize the ‘leadership’ as she demanded change in leadership following poor officiating in Game 3 of the Lynx vs Mercury series. Reeve received a $ 15,000 fine for her comments, but she refused to retract her words and stood by her views. While it was a challenging week for the league, it got worse following Napheesa Collier’s press conference.
Collier criticized Cathy Engelbert, taking her name in the conference, and revealing a few of their conversations during ‘unfinished CBA negotiations’. Words and summary of her ‘well-structured’ speech had a massive impact on fans and players. #FireCathyEngelbert was trending on social media with
Sports Business Journal published a report claiming Engelbert would “likely exit as commissioner sometime after the current CBA negotiations due to pressure inside NBA and WNBA circles.”
However, the league refutes such claims, and a WNBA spokesperson told the media outlet that the source’s comments were “categorically false,” with no further statement from Engelbert.
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Trending WNBA News
BREAKING: Cathy Engelbert is “likely” to exited as WNBA Commissioner after CBA negotiations
— Lynx Lead (@LynxLead) October 1, 2025
“She hasn’t connected; she’s not a relationship builder”
According to sources, Cathy was already likely to exit despite Collier’s statement today
(via: @SBJ) pic.twitter.com/E513rpcPB3
The WNBA Commissioner has yet to comment on her resignation or the CBA deals, nor has she released a statement regarding the fans’ backlash. But she did one thing – respond to Napheesa Collier’s comments to set the record straight.
Cathy Engelbert Responds To Napheesa Collier’s Criticism
The unfinished CBA negotiations, the Phoenix Mercury sale saga, inconsistency in officiating, and many more issues surrounded the WNBA, with the 60-year-old executive facing heat on all fronts. Even fans also sided with the players, blaming the league operations for all the ‘mess around the WNBA’. On top of that, Collier’s words put her in a bad light once again.
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA. Together, we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver,” the WNBA Commissioner responded.
Firing Cathy Engelbert could be just the removal of a personnel at the position, even if the league decides to go with the decision. They need a sustainable model to streamline league operations and manage business in the fastest possible way.