Even though Caitlin Clark won’t be suiting up for Game 5 of the WNBA semifinals between the Indiana Fever and Las Vegas Aces, she’s making the headlines this Tuesday.
On Tuesday afternoon, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier shared a statement about the current state of the WNBA. The five-time All-Star was unable to suit up for her team’s season-ending loss to the Phoenix Mercury due to an ankle injury sustained on a controversial no-call.
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Collier made it clear that she’s not happy with the league’s officiating. She’s also not thrilled with the lack of leadership from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
“I want to be clear this conversation is not about winning or losing. It’s about something much bigger. The real threat to our league isn’t money, it isn’t ratings, or even missed calls or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office,” Collier said. “Since I’ve been in the league, you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating and it has now reached levels of inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine the integrity of which it operates. Whether the league cares about the health of our players is one thing, but to also not care about the product we put on the floor is truly self sabotage. Year after year, the only thing that remains consistent is the lack of accountability from our leaders.”
Sep 18, 2025; College Park, Georgia, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shown on the court against the Atlanta Dream during the first half during game three of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Gateway Center Arena at College Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images© Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
WNBA commissioner takes shot at Caitlin.
Collier then revealed that she aired out her complaints to Engelbert. She told the league’s commissioner that she had an issue with Caitlin Clark averaging just $84,514 per year during her rookie contract.
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Engelbert allegedly replied, “Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.”
Unsurprisingly, Engelbert is receiving backlash from WNBA fans online.
“She’s not very bright because CC had big endorsements before the WNBA,” one fan pointed out.
“Trash. The W needs Caitlin, Angel and Paige more than they need the W,” a second fan declared.
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“Yeah it’s the WNBA who made Clark famous,” another fan sarcastically said. “What a deluded moron.”
“Even for a league as mismanaged as the WNBA, this is still a baffling statement,” a social media user wrote.
There are plenty of other negative remarks directed at Engelbert this Tuesday, that’s for sure.
As of now, Clark hasn’t responded to Engelbert’s alleged comments. She might wait to see how Game 5 of the Fever-Aces series plays out.
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This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 30, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.