“We have the best league in the world… But we have the worst leadership in the world.” At first glance, this might sound like a frustrated fan’s rant. But the words came from inside the WNBA itself, spoken by Lynx star Napheesa Collier. Her candid remarks on Cathy Engelbert sent shockwaves through the league. For many, the outburst felt inevitable after months of simmering tension around the league’s leadership.

What Engelbert likely did not expect, however, was Collier’s unflinching decision to go public with her grievances. Whether or not Collier’s statement carries truth or not is yet to be proven. However, one thing everyone, even Collier, knows is that a dicliplanary action is coming her way. “I’m sure they’ll fine me. I mean, it seems like anything with free speech is fined now,” the Lynx player said, fully aware of the consequences awaiting her. But before the league could act, one ex-Lynx legend stepped in to shield her.

Five-time WNBA All-Star and ex-Lynx player Angel McCoughtry made it clear on the Good Follow podcast that she would personally cover Collier’s fine. “Phee has done something; it’s just a bombshell. First of all, if Phee gets fined, I’m going to pay your fine back. I’m saying that myself,” McCoughtry vowed.

Fines of this nature are no small matter. Stephanie White and Becky Hammon were recently penalized $1,000 each for showing public support for Cheryl Reeve, while Reeve herself was fined $15,000 for criticizing officiating. Napheesa Collier’s comments, being more direct, could place her penalty anywhere within this range or higher. Still, McCoughtry has promised to bear the full financial burden, and her reasoning is rooted in the state of the league itself.

“The conditions of the WNBA have been so unappealing to the players for so long to the lack of officiating, the lack of salary, the lack of pension, healthcare, and insurance. It’s just like, where is it going? The money, where is the money going? That’s the main question, too,” she said.

Like Collier, McCoughtry also questioned the league’s new $200 million annual media rights deal. “Here is a fact. The league signed a new media rights deal valued at 200 million a year. So, if you have 156 players in the league making between 15-20 million, where is the rest of the money going? Do the math… It’s not going to the players.”

Earlier, Napheesa Collier raised similar concerns while highlighting how the WNBA commissioner has no interest in sustaining player growth. As she puts it, Engelbert allegedly stated the player should be on their knees thanking her for the media rights deal that she got them. But McCoughtry’s revelation points out that the amount is not enough to sustain all players in the league.

McCoughtry went a step further, pointing out the opacity of Engelbert’s own earnings. “Everybody’s salary is out… There’s one person whose salary is not out. Cathy Engelbert. Why can we not Google her salary? At Deloitte, she made what? Three million. That’s what we knew she made at her last job. So, we know for a fact that at least she’s making $3 million per year, not while my WNBA players are making $60,000.”

With McCoughtry’s willingness to pay Collier’s fine, the clash has moved beyond just one player’s frustration. It has become a reflection of a broader dissatisfaction among athletes and former stars alike. Reports point out that Lynx star’s public outcry could signal a dawn on the WNBA commissioner’s tenure.

Napheesa Collier’s words put Cathy Engelbert under pressure

Truth be told, Collier did not mince words in her end-of-season press conference. Openly criticizing WNBA leadership for failing to address issues around officiating, player compensation, and overall league growth, all these topics were in her target zone. As vice president of the players’ union, Collier’s stance carried significant weight, pushing Engelbert further into the spotlight.

The criticism comes at a tense time. Reports suggest Engelbert could step away as commissioner after the upcoming CBA negotiations, citing her struggles to connect with players and owners despite overseeing record media rights revenue and expansion plans. She initially earned praise for steadying the league during the pandemic. But growing dissatisfaction now surrounds her as concerns about pay equity, healthcare, and officiating remain unresolved.

Engelbert claims she felt “disheartened” by Collier’s comments. A league spokesperson denied any plans for her departure. And the WNBPA publicly stood by its vice president. With the CBA deadline looming and player unrest rising, Collier’s words have made it harder for Engelbert to escape scrutiny. But only time will tell what happens next.