During the press conference in Minneapolis, Napheesa Collier opened up about her conversation with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. She revealed that she had directly asked Engelbert why players like Caitlin Clark—who generate massive revenue for the league—were paid so little. Engelbert’s response was startling: “Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.” Naturally, the comments sent shockwaves through the WNBA community, though Engelbert has since denied the claim.

“Yeah, obviously I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game. She’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game, proud of what she’s put on the court,” Engelbert said, directly rejecting the claims. “But, yeah, as I said, there are a lot of inaccuracies reported out there, and I certainly did not say that.”

Let’s not forget the ongoing CBA negotiations, which prompted Collier to call the WNBA “the worst leadership in the world.” Players are still pushing for a higher revenue share, which currently sits at less than 10% of the league’s Basketball-Related Income (BRI). With no agreement reached so far, it looks increasingly likely that the two sides won’t settle before the October 31 deadline, raising the real possibility of a league-wide lockout.

Cathy Engelbert was asked about the looming uncertainty and how she plans to grow the league despite it, by USA Today journalist Meghan L. Hall. Her response was straightforward: “It’s a very good question because you want to capitalize on this momentum in the last five years … it’s a balancing act. I feel confident we are going to get the deal done.”

It’s very likely that the league will grant an extension to give the WNBPA and the WNBA more time to reach a deal. And for those wondering why Cathy Engelbert referred to “the last five years” instead of specifically highlighting the Caitlin Clark era, the answer is simple: since the last CBA deal in 2020, franchise values have skyrocketed. The Las Vegas Aces jumped from $2 million in 2021 to $310 million today, while the New York Liberty surged from $10–14 million to an estimated $450 million.

That brings us to the question on everyone’s mind: What did Caitlin Clark have to say about Collier’s comments? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!

Caitlin Clark stands with Napheesa Collier on WNBA criticism

For Caitlin Clark and everyone involved with the WNBPA, the focus is clear: the responsibility to guide the game in the right direction under a new CBA. It’s not just about better pay–it’s about ensuring player safety, improving facilities, and building a stronger league for the long term. That’s why Collier’s press conference was a long time coming. As Chiney Ogwumike explained, “WNBA players never want to throw out all the smoke. They don’t. They only do it when necessary. They’re always strategic. They’re always calculated.”

Collier was quickly backed by many in the WNBA community, including the Indiana superstar “I have a great deal of respect for Phee, and I think she has voiced many very valid points”, Clark said during her exit interview on Thursday. “I think people need to understand: we need excellent leadership at this time at all levels. This is by far the most important moment in the league’s history. The league has existed for over 25 years, and right now we must seize this moment.”

The upcoming CBA will be a landmark moment for the players. Whether they secure what they’ve been pushing for could shape the league’s future for years to come. What’s your take on the negotiations? Do you see a breakthrough happening anytime soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!