Following game three of the WNBA finals against the Phoenix Mercury, Minnesota Lynx Napheesa Collier made a statement that changed the course of leadership within the WNBA. Lynx star called out Cathy Engelbert, the commissioner of the league, and other high-ranking officials regarding their lack of accountability.
During this season’s all-star weekend, players wore shirts labeled “pay us what you owe us” in protest of the low wages of WNBA players. Players such as Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese drive in massive revenue for the league, yet are still making little to nothing. According to Collier, Engelbert addressed the issue in an unprofessional manner when she said, “Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.” In terms of popularity, most players built their reputation from college basketball, earning them NIL deals lasting into their professional careers.
Due to the inadequate wages of the league, players rely on promotional deals with companies and out-of-season leagues to keep themselves afloat. This includes the rising 3 v. 3 league, Unrivaled, and overseas leagues. According to Engelbert, the WNBA’s officials value player opinion, yet when addressing players, she more frequently than not mentions the league’s stakeholders.
This calling out between two of the most powerful people in the league has drastically overshadowed the most pivotal time of the season, the WNBA finals. On one side, we have league commissioner Engelbert, and on the other, we have player representative and co-founder of Unrivaled, Collier.
What does this mean for the future of negotiations within the league?
The league’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, or CBA, is set to expire at the end of the month, and the renewal will ultimately lead to the public reputation of the league and, most importantly, money. Sources question what will happen if CBA negotiator players such as Collier and her supporters refuse to negotiate on a new CBA until Engelbert is removed from the league.
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