Sat Oct 11 02:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

This article details the growing discontent between WNBA players and Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, highlighting recent public criticism from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier. While Engelbert initially received praise after her appointment in 2019 and the signing of a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), various incidents and perceived missteps have eroded trust. These include handling of player activism, responses to racialized commentary surrounding new stars, issues with commercial travel despite rising league revenue, and disagreements over the sharing of credit for league successes. The article emphasizes that players feel undervalued, unheard, and that their contributions are being overlooked. This tension comes at a crucial time as the current CBA is set to expire, with negotiations focused on restructuring the salary cap to better reflect rising league revenue. While Engelbert has acknowledged the players’ concerns and pledged to do better, skepticism remains high and a new CBA deal is not on the near horizon.

**News Article:**

**WNBA Players’ Distrust of Commissioner Engelbert Reaches Boiling Point Amid CBA Negotiations**

Phoenix, AZ – A storm is brewing in the WNBA as players publicly voice their growing dissatisfaction with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The dissent was ignited by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier’s recent scathing critique of WNBA leadership.

Collier’s remarks, describing the WNBA’s leadership as “the worst in the world,” sparked a wave of support from fellow players, including WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) president Nneka Ogwumike, who said she was “proud to be part of this union and with players like Phee who display their leadership.” This widespread backing underscores a deepening rift between Engelbert and the league’s players.

While Engelbert initially garnered praise for a landmark CBA in 2019 and has overseen significant growth in television ratings, merchandise sales, and expansion, numerous controversies have fueled player mistrust. These include perceived inadequate responses to player activism, racially charged commentary surrounding star players, and slow progress on issues like charter flights, despite rising league revenue.

Players feel their contributions are being overlooked, with Engelbert allegedly taking excessive credit for the league’s successes. “Players felt like she talked like we should constantly be in a position of gratitude versus a partnership,” said Elizabeth Williams, a member of the union’s executive committee.

The timing couldn’t be worse, as the current CBA is set to expire on October 31st, and negotiations are reportedly at a standstill. A key sticking point is the salary structure, with players advocating for a salary cap tied to league revenue, a significant raise for all players, and a salary structure reflecting the value they bring to the WNBA.

Engelbert has acknowledged the players’ concerns, stating, “I was disheartened to hear that some players feel the league and me personally do not care about them or listen to them.” However, this statement has failed to quell the growing discontent.

With CBA negotiations at a critical juncture and players’ voices growing louder, the future of the WNBA hinges on whether Engelbert and the WNBPA can bridge this widening divide and forge a partnership that truly values the league’s most important asset: its players.

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