WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is under the pump right now. Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier accused her of being “negligent”. The MVP runner-up also disclosed a private conversation about Caitlin Clark, where Engelbert apparently said Clark should be “grateful” for the platform the WBA provides her. Finally, the Indiana Fever sensation got a chance to respond.

It’s safe to say she sides with Collier’s concerns. During her exit interview for the Fever, Clark said, “We need great leadership at this time across all levels… this is the most important time in this league’s history… Phee said it all,”. The fight against Engelbert is far bigger than just addressing the WNBA product.

The tense environment only heightens the ongoing struggle between the players and the WNBA. The players are seeking to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, aiming to limit the revenue-sharing model. Recently, the league signed a new media rights deal worth approximately $200 million per year, which is significantly higher than the total annual compensation for all WNBA players, typically between $10 million and $20 million. So, where exactly is the excess $180M being used?

Caitlin Clark revealed that Collier hadn’t notified her of the conversations she had with the WNBA commissioner. She also hasn’t heard from Cathy Engelbert yet. This comes from her statement where she said, “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,”. There will be a power struggle to follow amidst escalating tensions between the league and the players.

As it turns out, the two sides are nowhere close to an agreement.

A crucial month awaits Caitlin Clark & the WNBA

After opting out of the current CBA, the WNBA is on a timeline. They have until October 31 to reach an agreement with their players on a new agreement. The main issues have been highlighted time and again. As Kelsey Plum recently stated, “First, second, third is rev share (and) salary,”. The WNBA salaries have gradually increased. However, after a $2.2 billion media rights deal, players are asking for their fair share.

Notably, the current agreement provides players with 9.3% of all basketball-related income. For the NBA, it’s nearly half. The major disparity severely affects the WNBA’s salaries. Notably, even a veteran minimum contract in the NBA is far more lavish than the highest-paid players in the WNBA. Jackie Young made a little over $250,000 this season.

It may have been acceptable until now. However, since the new age stars such as Cailtin Clark and A’ja Wilson have driven growth to unprecedented heights, the players aren’t backing down. Collier’s stance was rather direct. But WNBA players genuinely share her frustrations.

“Our league is at a spot that it hasn’t been in the past 10 years. We’re growing exponentially, and we need change to mirror that. I think where the players see the league going is different than where leadership sees the league going, and somehow we need to see that align, and I think the CBA negotiations will hopefully get us there,” said Lexie Hull, the Fever union representative.

Looking at the numbers, viewership is up, and the craze is clearly growing. Players have taken bold measures. Wearing “Pay Us What You Owe Us” t-shirts at the All-Star game was a statement. Until Engelbert and the WNBA improve their offer, the league’s future is uncertain. They have the entirety of October to reach a mutually satisfactory agreement.

Judging from the current circumstances, a lot of progress is still to be made. What do you think about the players’ current stance? Let us know your views in the comments below.