When Napheesa Collier sat down for that exit interview, Cathy Engelbert would not have imagined it would be catastrophic. However, with some direct quotes from their conversation, the Lynx star tore through the WNBA commissioner. But what Engelbert said in response was a routine PR talk. This choice to just move on from Collier’s claim rather than countering it has led one WNBA reporter to believe the Lynx star might be telling the truth.

This admission came from Ashley Nicole Moss during the We Need to Talk podcast. The WNBA reporter highlighted that Cathy Engelbert’s response to Napheesa Collier’s allegations sounded dismissive. Engelbert’s framing it as if Collier had mischaracterized their conversation. However, Moss argued that Collier’s detailed quotes made it unlikely she fabricated the exchange.

As she puts it, “At least that’s how I took it, saying I’m really disheartened by how she characterized our conversation. Look, Cathy, either you said it or you didn’t. Phee is going into direct quotes like she’s hitting you. She would have to be the greatest liar in the history of liars – Denzel Washington, Leonard DiCaprio level actor to be able to manifest and just create multiple quotes from a conversation that did not happen. and go in front of the national media and the WNBA fan base. Put those quotes out there knowing that they could be discredited if they were not true.”

Furthermore, Alicia Jay also supported Moss’ claims, stressing that Collier has no reason to lie. Engelbert’s actions throughout the season have repeatedly shown a lack of player support. Jay says, “Phee has no reason to lie. Also, we’ve seen the proof of what she is talking about throughout the season in the actions of Cathy, right? So, we’ve seen her time and time again do things that are number one not for the players, don’t protect the players, and also really aren’t solidifying the future of this league.”

Talking about solidifying the future of WNBA, one of the main stress points of Collier’s statements was the new media rights deal. According to Collier, Engelbert claims players should be on their knees thanking her for this deal. In this 11-year deal, USA Network will present at least 50 games for the next regular season. Furthermore, they will also present some playoff games and the WNBA finals in select years.

However, many critics are not completely in favor of this deal. Five-time WNBA All-Star and ex-Lynx player Angel McCoughtry feels the deal favors Engelbert more than the players. This deal, worth $200 million annually, will not be enough to sustain 156 players of the WNBA. These feelings were also echoed by Jay, questioning Engelbert’s credit for securing the TV deal. She argues that players earned it through their performance. The reporter even questions whether Engelbert truly positioned the WNBA well in negotiations.

But all the WNBA commissioner has said till now does not offer any answers to Napheesha Collier’s claims. Rather, Collier is getting support from personnel like Alicia Jay and Ashley Nicole Moss. Interestingly, the support is also coming from within the WNBA, without players fearing the fines.

Napheesa Collier leads the wave of discontent in the WNBA and gets overwhelming support

The Minnesota Lynx player name-dropped Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers in her claims, calling them the biggest revenue movers in the league. But Collier put out a rather unsatisfactory response from Engelbert to her question. In her follow-up response, Engelbert is also not giving a satisfactory answer. But what was clearly visible was the support for the Lynx star.

One of the first to support her was the players she named, specifically two of the three. Angel Reese took to X to show Collier support with a post, “10/10. No notes!” On the other hand, Paige Bueckers took to Instagram to share a picture of herself and Collier with the caption, “Queen Phee.” Both these comments show clear support for Collier.

However, Caitlin Clark chose to offer no comment on this matter. Although other Indiana players were vocal in support of Collier. As Lexie Hull put it, “It’s a really big time. It’s exciting to see players speak out and speak up about what’s going on in our league. And where our league can go. And the changes that need to be made… I think when it comes down to it, I think I agree with everything she [Collier] said.”

Furthermore, Sophie Cunningham was more attacking towards the WNBA commissioner. She said, “People only know Cathy because of C [Clark]. She’s the most delusional leader our league has seen.” Players like Dearica Hamby, Nneka Ogwumike, along many others took a more supportive approach. Now this support becomes all the more impressive when looking at the way the WNBA slaps a fine for going against them.

History is proof that when someone speaks against the WNBA, they get a hefty fine. Sophie Cunningham, Sabrina Ionescu, Cheryl Reeve, Stephanie White, Becky Hammon, among others, were the recipients of fines in recent times. Still, players are not afraid to speak out, showing there must be some weight to Napheesa Collier’s claims.