Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview after the Minnesota Lynx’s elimination has set the WNBA ablaze. In a bold move, she accused Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of undermining the value of star players like Caitlin Clark. Collier claimed that Engelbert suggested Clark should be thankful for her $16 million off the court, implying she wouldn’t earn that without the WNBA platform. This shocking allegation raises serious questions about Engelbert’s views and the future of pay equity in the league.

A few hours ago, a netizen highlighted a clip from an old ’60 Minutes’ interview with Cathy Engelbert. The same featured the interviewer highlighting to the commissioner that whenever someone brings up Caitlin Clark as a point of discussion with her, she does not just talk about Clark. She discusses other rookies as well. Engelbert did not deny it. In fact, she stated that “No league’s ever about one player. That player could get hurt, or whatever. So I think it’s just to give recognition that, in sports, people watch for compelling content. Rivalries. And you can’t do that alone”.

Out of context, the clip does not make it seem as if the WNBA commissioner said anything wrong. After all, one player doesn’t make a sport. However, given Napheesa Collier’s recent revelation, one might question whether Engelbert’s comments on 60 Minutes had something more to it. The netizen who highlighted the clip certainly questioned it, since he wrote “🚨Remember Cathy Engelbert on 60 minutes got called out ? Imo she’s jealous and envious of Caitlin Clark and wants to be credited with the growth and been that way since day 1. What other league allows their star to get beat up on the court with a horrific whistle ?? 🚨🚨“.

In the past, there have been no incidents to highlight that there was any form of animosity between the WNBA Commissioner and the Indiana Fever’s star player. Neither of the two had negatively spoken about the other. Even the clip from ’60 Minutes’ is a matter of perception, as some might say that Cathy Engelbert was simply trying to uplift the other rookies instead of putting Clark down. Unfortunately, the combination of the clip and Napheesa Collier’s remarks puts the Commissioner in a bad light.

After the Minnesota Lynx’s stars’ remarks went viral, Cathy Engelbert did not immediately respond. However, she soon released an official statement. Without mentioning Caitlin Clark, the commissioner said that she has the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and the other players for all the players in the WNBA, and that her focus remains on ensuring a bright future for them. Along with this, Engelbert also added that “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.” This, according to a renowned WNBA analyst, is a genius move.

Rachel A. DeMita Applauds Caitlin Clark’s Silence

In the recent episode of her ‘Courtside Club’ show, Rachel A. DeMita said, “I will also note that Caitlin Clark did not reply to this statement, and I think that was smart of her. If Clark would have replied to Napheesa Collier’s statement or had anything to say about it, that would have been the biggest news of the day.”

Clark’s decision to stay silent made it clear that the main topic remains in the news for everyone to see and make note of. Given the popularity that she boasts, any remarks that Caitlin Clark would have given would have shifted the spotlight to her. Either that, or the Fever star simply does not want any more ill will towards the commissioner. We don’t know Clark’s mindset since, as mentioned, she is yet to talk!

Even if Caitlin Clark is not speaking up, her peers are. Sophie Cunningham, who has often come in support of Clark both in person and on social media, took to Instagram after Collier’s comments went viral and wrote, “people only know Cathy because of C…. She’s the most delusional leader our league has seen.” Meanwhile, others like Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers did not directly give their support to Clark, but gave a shoutout to the Minnesota Lynx star.

Do you think Caitlin Clark should respond? Or let the story run its course? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section.