Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier has ignited a firestorm in the basketball community after using her exit interview on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, to deliver one of the most forceful public criticisms of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and league leadership in recent memory.
Collier’s Sharp Critique of the WNBA
Collier’s remarks took aim at what she described as systemic failures at the top of the league, ranging from poor officiating to a culture of “negligence” and “lack of accountability.”
“The real threat to our league isn’t money. It isn’t ratings or missed calls or even physical play. It’s a lack of accountability from the league office,” Collier said.
Among her sharpest points:
- Officiating has reached levels of “inconsistency that plague our sport and undermine its integrity.”
- The league’s response to concerns is “to issue fines and look the other way.”
- Leadership’s approach, she argued, amounts to self-sabotage, risking both player safety and the league’s credibility.
- Collier also recounted a February conversation with Engelbert, where she said the commissioner brushed off officiating complaints by saying: “Only the losers complain about the refs.”
She concluded bluntly:
“We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world, but right now, we have the worst leadership in the world.”
League-Wide Reaction
Collier’s words quickly reverberated across the WNBA and beyond, with numerous players and coaches publicly expressing solidarity.
- Angel Reese (Chicago Sky): “10/10. No notes!”
- Kalani Brown (Phoenix Mercury): “Phee speaks for me 🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️.”
- Elizabeth Williams (Chicago Sky): “Sharing every clip! Thanks for speaking up [Napheesa Collier].”
- Dearica Hamby (LA Sparks): “💎 thank you for your bravery!!!!!!”
- Alysha Clark (Washington Mystics): “🗣️🗣️👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.”
- Elena Delle Donne (two-time MVP): “The Queen has spoken! … I’m still not sure if Cathy knows I retired.”
Even players outside the WNBA added their voices. Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers simply reacted with: “Whew.”
Coaches and Teammates Weigh In
Before the Indiana Fever’s decisive Game 5 on Tuesday, both Lexie Hull and head coach Stephanie White voiced agreement.
Hull called Collier’s statement “important,” while White said:
“I’m thankful that we have strong women willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change.”
Why It Matters
Collier’s callout comes at a pivotal moment for the WNBA, which has seen record growth in attendance, media attention, and star power in 2024, yet continues to face criticism over officiating, player treatment, and leadership transparency.
With Collier’s comments gaining massive traction among players and fans, the spotlight is now squarely on Engelbert and the WNBA
