The Finals may be over, but tension across the league still lingers. Ever since Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview, things haven’t settled down. After all, accusing Cathy Engelbert of telling players like Caitlin Clark to “be grateful” and “thank their lucky stars” for league exposure was no small claim. Engelbert dismissed the remarks as “inaccuracies,” but the fallout was inevitable. Now, even WNBA owners are said to be questioning her leadership, though not necessarily in the way Collier might have hoped.

When the Lynx forward and WNBPA Vice President spoke up, her words didn’t go unheard. Nearly half the league rallied behind her – from coaches and star players to fans, whose loud boos during Cathy’s appearances made their stance clear. The owners, however, weren’t nearly as supportive of Collier’s approach.

Speaking with ESPN on October 17, an anonymous owner said, “If you fire her now, it’s admitting weakness. It’s a terrible look for the league… I can’t stand what [Collier] did. That was a private conversation. It makes me not want to fire her, even though I think she should be fired.” Words have been sharp, but owners bring a different perspective to the issue-and yes, their views are understandable.

It’s not common for players to voice such issues publicly, but Collier’s bold step raised multiple questions about the league’s image, leadership, and player treatment. However, owners’ concern isn’t just limited to what Collier said or what spectators saw-it extends to the relationship between players and leadership. Some owners’ dissatisfaction with Collier’s approach doesn’t mean they support Engelbert.

Discontent with Engelbert is regarding a lot of things. Concerns raised to her or the league office, like officiating problems, often go unaddressed. Some of her business choices, including the 2022 $75 million capital raise that sold a 16% stake in the WNBA, did not earn half a clap from anyone. Not to forget the way she’s been handling the sale of the Connecticut Sun, not even presenting proposals to the board. Additionally, her style of communication and interactions with players, staff, and stakeholders has drawn criticism.

As another owner put it, “I believe Napheesa’s comments… I think sometimes the approach of [Engelbert’s] message hasn’t always been delivered well… CBA negotiations and other negotiations are always hard, but it might not have been as confrontational, I think, if there was a little bit better dialogue and relationship-building there. And I don’t know at this stage if that’s repairable or not.”

Well, yes, CBA discussions aren’t new for the league or Cathy Engelbert. In fact, she was part of the 2019 CBA discussions alongside interim president Mark Tatum. So, she’s got the experience, but it’s not proving helpful. Her inability to close the deal, combined with Collier’s explosive comments, in which she called the league’s leadership “the worst in the world,” has only deepened the divide. So, it doesn’t matter if Engelbert says she’s “never been a quitter.” Now, the W is standing for a common goal: a replacement.

“If I had a vote,” one owner said, “I would probably ask for a replacement.” Asking for a change in leadership isn’t something you often see in major leagues-especially since commissioners are primarily responsible for representing owners during negotiations, such as the ongoing CBA talks.

But now, with Engelbert’s controversy and the October 31 deadline looming, owners feel “change is a must.” After all, it’s the players who help the league profit, and their not playing would benefit no one. So, replacing Engelbert could be a way out-but is it?

Replacing Cathy would be a little difficult!

When Stephen A. Smith came across Cathy’s comments, he immediately asked the Commish to “resign”. And, half of the league thinks the same. But that doesn’t seem likely.. Not just because Cathy said she’s focused on rebuilding trust, but also because of how Cathy Engelbert was recruited back in 2019.

For Cathy, her hiring process was a bit different compared to those who came before her. She was appointed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who wanted her hiring to be historic, which is why she was given the title of Commissioner. That’s how she became the first-ever commissioner of the WNBA. And ever since, she’s been working closely with Adam. As Terrika Foster-Brasby said on WNBA on NBC, “Cathy works for Adam.”

And, her statement is true as the NBA holds 42% of the league, equal to what WNBA owners hold. The men’s pro league has financially supported the W since its formation in 1996. And that’s exactly why we’re seeing delayed CBA talks and the looming October deadline. So, what do you think – will she be replaced?