WNBA commissioner opens about collier, agency and CBA

In her own words it was a tough week. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke to the media this Friday in Las Vegas, prior to Game 1 of the WNBA final between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury. It was the first time she took questions since Napheeesa Collier based public leadership, including Engelbert himself, for ‘malpractice’ and lack of concern about the safety and well -being of players.

Collier’s comments, made during her exit interview, sent a shock wave around the competition, with various players, including WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike, who support her attitude. The Commissioner later issued a statement via WNBA PR that expressed surprise when learning the perception of the player of the private comments made.

But it took a few days until Engelbert spoke directly and took questions from the media. In an opening statement, she reinforced herself that players did not approve her leadership, announced plans to tackle official concerns and expressed confidence in getting a new SME that soon signed. Those were also the main themes that came up in questions.

WNBA commissioner competitions and denies claims from Collier

“There is a lot of inaccuracy via social media and all this report,” said Engelbert, who also rely on a respect for Collier.

“You saw it in my explanation, but I have the greatest respect for Napheeesa and every player in our competition. They are central to everything we do … Nobody should ever doubt how deep I have to do this competition, this game and every player who makes the Wnba, the Wnba makes what it is.”

When asked whether the comment she made about Caitlin Clark who had to be grateful to the WNBA for her $ 16 million in partnerships, Engelbert denied those claims.

“It is clear that I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this competition. She has been a great representative of the game. She has brought dozens of new fans to the game.”

A question that remains is whether the commissioner can still lead the competition when players’ trust has disappeared so far. But she doesn’t seem concerned.

“I am convinced that we can repair any loss of trust,” she said. “We will dialogue with players. One-on-one relationships, groups of relationships. Players have reached me.”

Must be tackled by tackling the WNBA Commissioner’s officer

“I think it is pretty clear that we are currently being wrongly aligned what our stakeholders want to officiate by.”

Per ESPNs And Rotowire’s WNBA injury trackers, at least 30 players were either for a period or the rest of the season in 2025. That counts for around 20% of the grid pieces that are moved and includes Super Stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. To solve that problem, raised by several coaches and players, the competition ticks two initiatives.

“At the end of the season, as we do every year, the competition committee of the competition will meet to evaluate the state of the game. Including rules, official and player safety on the field. As always, the players’ association and players are invited to participate.”

“Also, further, we set up a task force with several stakeholders, call it as a state-of-the-game committee, who invite player voices and other stakeholders to that table to ensure that our official platform evolves in step with the growth of the competition.”

Engelbert hopes that competition, referees and players can work together to identify and close the gaps that athletes can help to feel safer.

“There are no larger stakeholders than our players. Their voice is an integral part of the coordination that is required for a good officer. We look forward to taking on their perspectives on how our employees can better serve the game.”

MKBA negotiations are underway, but WNBA commissioner is of the opinion that expansion may be needed

The road that lies in front of us is not supposed to become more flexible for Engelbert. With the deadline for a new SME in the area, there is still a lot of uncertainty if players and competition can find a middle ground for a new deal. The commissioner has traditionally held a more positive view of the negotiations, while the athletes provided a gloomy struggle that could end in a lockout.

“We work very hard on the deadline of 31 October. We have a few meetings
Next week. … Although I hope we will make the deadline of October 31, and that is a real deadline from that perspective, we have expanded deadlines in the past. I know the last time, when I was only working for a few days, we came to an extension and got a deal that was progressive at the time. So again, I am convinced that we can get a deal, but if not, I think we can do an extension. “

Engerlbert’s first months as a WNBA commissioner were very similar to the person with whom she is now confronted. She came to the competition in May 2019 when the WNBPA negotiated a new SME after she had rejected herself at the end of the 2018 season. Both parts could reach an agreement in January 2020.

“We have a lot of experience in these negotiations, even well before I arrived here, but now this one. So again, yes, it’s a balance. We want to make sure there is no interruption, but that is clear to the players and our owners.”

The most important point of discussion, according to the statements of recent players, is income share. According to members of the PA, the WNBA is not willing to meet their requirements, while the Commissioner is concerned about the long -term sustainability of the competition.

‘Yes, I think it’s all about balancing the significant increase in salaries and benefits with the long -term viability of the competition. We have made proposals with important Rev-Share components that are already in the money, Rev Share components as I reported, I think it was all-star. They clearly negotiate for more. ‘

“That is the balance. The balance is between – I would return every dollar that we can do, and we will do that. But who balance that our owners are encouraged to continue their investment.”

After the press conference, some players strengthened their support to Napheeesa Collier and the WNBA commissioner continued to put pressure on.