WNBA players are speaking out against commissioner Cathy Engelbert, and it could result in her firing.
According to Sports Business Journal, Engelbert could be on her way out after the current CBA negotiations.
WNBA players and fans are rioting against WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert[/caption]
Engelbert is reportedly going to be pushed out of her position soon[/caption]
After six years at the helm of the WNBA, things appear to have hit a boiling point among players and fans.
With the league growing at such a rapid rate, players feel Engelbert hasn’t properly taken on the challenge.
“She hasn’t connected; she’s not a relationship builder, which you have to be in that job with the teams, with the players,” a source told SBJ.
“I think she’s a wicked smart business person, and the success she gets a lot of credit for.
“But a commissioner has to have a personality element that can touch every constituent that they have. I think she’s just lacking in it.
“You’re where you are now, you have got to get through this labor negotiation.
“After that, it wouldn’t surprise me if she did a victory lap and rode off back into the corporate world somewhere.”
A WNBA spokesperson told SBJ that the source’s comments were “categorically false.”
However, that denial doesn’t change the fact that players are fed up with what they’re seeing from the league.
Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier sat in front of the media and delivered a scathing review of Engelbert and the WNBA’s leadership.
“We have the best players in the world,” Collier said.
“We have the best fans in the world.
“But right now we have the worst leadership in the world.”
Collier’s comments came after her team was defeated 84-76 by the Phoenix Mercury on Friday.
She injured her ankle late in the game on a collision with Alyssa Thomas, but no foul was given.
Collier was ejected from the game and her coach, Cheryl Reeve, was also ejected.
The two of them were suspended by the WNBA for Game 4 of the playoff series, which saw the Lynx eliminated.
“I want to be clear this conversation is not about winning or losing,” Collier continued.
WNBA 2025 All-Star Roster
Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier have been named captains of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Game.
Guards:
- Paige Bueckers* – Dallas Wings
- Caitlin Clark* – Indiana Fever
- Sabrina Ionescu* – New York Liberty
- Allisha Gray* – Atlanta Dream
- Kelsey Mitchell – Indiana Fever
- Skylar Diggins – Seattle Storm
- Kelsey Plum – Los Angeles Sparks
- Brittany Sykes – Washington Mystics
- Natasha Cloud – New York Liberty
- Jackie Young – Las Vegas Aces
Frontcourt:
- Napheesa Collier* – Minnesota Lynx
- A’ja Wilson* – Las Vegas Aces
- Breanna Stewart* – New York Liberty
- Aliyah Boston* – Indiana Fever
- Nneka Ogwumike* – Seattle Storm
- Satou Sabally* – Phoenix Mercury
- Angel Reese – Chicago Sky
- Kiki Iriafen – Washington Mystics
- Gabby Williams – Seattle Storm
- Alyssa Thomas – Phoenix Mercury
*Voted as a starter
“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.
“Since I’ve been in the league you’ve heard the constant concerns about officiating.
“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.”
Engelbert defended herself in a statement following the scathing review from Collier.
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” she said.
Engelbert received a scathing review from Lynx star Napheesa Collier[/caption]
“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.”
WNBA fans have flocked to Collier’s side, showing support for players in their fight for better rights.
“All my homies HATE Cathy Engelbert,” one fan said.
“If I’m the players I’m not agreeing to anything until after they’ve replaced her,” another fan said.
“She needs to go now,” a third fan said.
“This a W for the W,” a fourth fan said.
“It’s about time,” a fifth fan said.
