Angel Reese awarded Napheesa Collier‘s no-holds-barred critique of the WNBA a perfect “10 out of 10.”
On Tuesday, Collier – who is also spearheading negotiations with the league regarding a new CBA – faced the media during her post-season exit interview after the Minnesota Lynx’s shocking playoff elimination. Prior to fielding questions, she delivered a four-minute statement where the 29 year old systematically dismantled the WNBA across multiple issues.
Collier targeted WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert directly and criticized everything from CBA talks to refereeing and player deals. She specifically highlighted worries about the emerging stars generating enormous popularity for the league, including Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Reese. The news comes as Dave Portnoy slams Cathy Engelbert and tells Caitlin Clark exactly what to do
In the segment of her remarks that mentioned Reese and her peers, Collier alleged Engelbert was contemptuous and dismissive toward the rising stars. Collier recounted: “I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel, and Paige, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years.
“Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $60 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.’ In that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.’
“That’s the mentality driving our league from the top. We go to battle every day to protect a shield that doesn’t value us. The league believes it succeeds despite its players, not because of them.”.
Collier showed courage in speaking her mind, and her WNBA colleagues quickly rallied to support her – including Reese. The Chicago Sky sensation, who has previously voiced concerns about inadequate WNBA salaries, clearly resonated with Collier’s message as she posted on social media: “10/10. No notes!”.
Reese stands as one of the WNBA’s most marketable talents. She maintains a well-documented rivalry with Clark dating back to their college days, and the 23 year old has already established herself as one of the league’s most recognizable and beloved stars.
A back injury sidelined Reese for much of the latter portion of her second season, limiting her to just 30 regular-season contests. She concluded the campaign topping the league in rebounds per game for the second straight year, while posting averages of 14.7 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per contest.
Commissioner Engebert issued a response to Collier through an official statement, declaring: “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.”
As fans eagerly await the upcoming WNBA Finals featuring the Phoenix Mercury against either the Las Vegas Aces or Indiana Fever, attention is also focused on off-court developments, especially if more players voice their opposition to the commissioner.