Cathy Engelbert came off like the league was doing Caitlin Clark a favor, at least if Napheesa Collier’s account is the barometer. While recalling a winter conversation with Engelbert, Collier said, “I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin, Angel, and Paige, who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for the first four years. Her response was. 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.”

The fans craved for Clark’s response to this claim from Collier, but Clark has not stirred the pot further. Alexa Philippou of ESPN revealed Caitlin Clark’s reply, or the lack thereof. “Via the Fever: Caitlin Clark has no comment on this statement.”Wrote Phillippou.

Some fans aren’t happy that Clark did not back up Collier with a statement of her own. “When has Caitlin Clark ever had a comment?”Wrote a fan, with the implication being that Clark often sidelines herself from the issues of her league and the fans. That isn’t entirely true. Clark has spoken out on racism, the physicality, the pay gap, and her role in the CBA negotiations, but her statements are more measured than bold, like Collier’s or some other players. She has been recently fined $200 for her comment against the referees who said, “Refs couldn’t stop us.” Clark has been seen arguing with referees while simultaneously speaking out against them multiple times. 

With regards to CBA, Clark tried to leverage her star power at the 2025 All-Star weekend by attending the vital meeting. “I’m still trying to understand and engage as much as possible. This is my second year in the league, but also this is a very important time for our league and where it’s going to continue to grow.” She said at the time. 

And in this case, the no comment at this time is the most prudent move on her part. Caitlin Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, hasn’t crashed out of the league yet and faces a pivotal Game 5 soon. The Fever has a potential final on the cards, and a controversy at this time might take the attention away from what matters for her. Despite being on the sidelines, Clark has been active in every game with her ‘bench mob’. And it could even be a franchise media strategy rather than Clark’s actual response. While Indiana’s Star point guard has shied away from making a statement, her teammate and coach haven’t. 

Caitlin Clark’s Teammates And Coach Issues Support For Napheesa Collier

While we discuss why Caitlin Clark has swayed away from a response, one of her teammates has made one. Caitlin Clark’s close friend and teammate Lexie Hull has stepped up, sending a strong message of support to the vice president. Hull said on Napheesa Collier’s statement: “I think I agree with everything she said. We’re at a really important time in the league, and changes need to be made, and so you’re seeing her talk about that and really proud of her for making that statement today.”

While that is not a direct retort to Clark’s statement, it’s a valuable message from one of the core members of the Indiana Fever squad. Even coach Stephanie White was asked about Collier’s nuclear bomb. “I have a lot of respect for Phee…. I’m thankful that we have strong women who are willing to say the things that matter and say the things that will move the needle for change.” She said “partly in response” to Collier, according to Alexa Phillipou. 

Note that while both showcased support, they avoided anything that might make the controversy worse. Because, like we discussed, they would like the focus to be on Game 5 and what remains of their season.  We might hear something more definitive from either Clark, White, or any Fever personnel in their exit interviews. Especially after Cathy Engelbert did not deny any of Collier’s accusations.

“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” Engelbert said in the release. “Together, we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. 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.” “Characterized”  probably refers to Collier’s framing or depiction of those talks and of leadership instead of an outright denial. Now, whether the exit interviews happen immediately in a few days or after the finals will depend on how Game 5 against the Aces goes.