“The WNBA is experiencing some growth pains…. it’s become too personal and we’re going to have to work through those issues,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently in reference to the ongoing controversy revolving around Cathy Engelbert. The WNBA players have been demanding a pay raise for a long time, and with the league seeking benefits from a new media rights deal and an increase in revenue, now was a good time as any to negotiate. Fortunately, Collier has had an abundance of support, and another voice was recently added to it.

New York Liberty star Brenna Stewart recently participated in a ‘Tech Futures’ seminar. During the same time, she was asked about her thoughts on the ongoing drama in the WNBA world, which is enough to take the attention away from the Finals. Without thinking for long, Stewart boldly stated that “I agree with Phee. You know, I stand 100% agree with Phee”. Her response was met with applause. As for the claim that the issue had become personal, Stewart responded that “I think that our messaging right now is…. It’s not personal. It is business. Show us. Show us your money, and we will show you yours”.

Adam Silver’s belief about the issue having turned ‘personal’ is based on the fact that, during her exit interview, Napheesa Collier said, “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.” The Minnesota Lynx star also said that the WNBA’s officiating lapses are a form of “self-sabotage” by the league.

Those remarks came a few days after her head coach was ejected from one game and suspended from the next, only because she was aggressive in contesting a foul call. It affected the Lynx and contributed to the team’s elimination. At the same time, Collier highlighted the issue being bigger than herself. After all, as she revealed, when Collier brought the officiating issue up, the WNBA commissioner allegedly said, “Well, only the losers complain about the refs.”

Later, Collier claimed to use the names of stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers to highlight how star players drive in massive revenue for the league. and are making so little for their first four years. Collier claimed that Cathy Engelbert’s response was “[Clark] should be grateful. She makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.” If what Engelbert said is true, then it is certainly more than a personal issue.

Even someone like Caitlin Clark, who was selected 1st overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, currently plays under a 4-year, $338,056 contract, averaging about $84,514 a year. In comparison, Ariel Hukporti, the 58th pick at the 2024 NBA Draft, signed a 2-year, $5.745 million contract, making his average pay $2,872,666. When the female basketball players wore the ‘Pay Us What You Owe Us’ T-shirts during the 2025 WNBA All-Star game, they were clear about their demands.

Breanna Stewart Was Named To the All-Defensive Team For the 7th Time

A few hours ago, it was announced that Breanna Stewart has been named to the 2025 WNBA All-Defensive Second Team. She was one of 10 women given the honor, alongside former Seattle Storm teammate Ezi Magbegor, Indiana Fever’s Aliyah Boston, the newly formed Golden State Valkyries’ Veronica Burton (Golden State), and Rhyne Howard from the Atlanta Dream.

This now marks the 7th time Stewart has been named to an All-Defensive Team, and for the 6th consecutive time.  On top of that, she became the first New Yorker to land three invites to the All-Defensive Team. She previously held the record with Tina Charles and was the only other to get the nod twice.

Breanna Stewart received the honor after playing a season during which she ranked seventh in defensive rating (96.8), fifth in blocks (1.4), and fourth in defensive win shares (0.172). If that wasn’t enough, Stewart forced the lowest qSI (effective field goal percentage below expected) on opponent restricted area attempts, and ranked fourth amongst all other players with her 1.3 defensive net points per 80 possessions.

As of now, Breanna Stewart has yet to react to the All-Defensive Team honor. Then again, it took her a while to react to her own ‘Unrivaled’ co-partner’s recent controversy. Therefore, in due course, she might acknowledge the gesture on social media.