Napheesa Collier has been one of the leading voices for the WNBPA in its collective bargaining talks with the league, but Jason Whitlock believes she’s in over her head. On Thursday’s episode of Fearless, the commentator blasted the Minnesota Lynx star for her recent remarks about commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Caitlin Clark’s role in the league’s growth.
“You don’t even remotely understand how rough negotiations over millions and billions of dollars are,” Whitlock said. “When you get in high-stakes negotiations… really rough things are going to get said, far rougher things than ‘Caitlin Clark should be thanking us that she has this platform to make that $16 million dollars.’”
Whitlock also took aim at Collier’s frustration with WNBA officiating, tying it to the league’s priorities.
“There’s no gratitude. There’s nothing but complaints and whining. And you wonder why the officiating sucks? Hey! Open your eyes. It’s called DEI.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_wJMjplNGU
According to Whitlock, the WNBA has turned into a dysfunctional organization more focused on checking social boxes than on building financial stability. He warned that such a path only pushes the league closer to collapse.
“She made a lot of very valid points”: Napheesa Collier gets an ally in Caitlin Clark
While Whitlock dismissed Collier’s stance, the injured Caitlin Clark offered her full support. Speaking during her Indiana Fever exit interview, the rookie phenom said Collier’s words were timely and necessary.
“I have great respect for Phee, and I think she made a lot of very valid points,” Clark said. “I think what people need to understand: We need great leadership in this time across all levels. This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history. This league has been around for 25-plus years, and this is a moment we have to capitalize on.”
The 2025 WNBA season is winding down with the Las Vegas Aces set to face the Phoenix Mercury in the Finals. But once the champion is crowned, the league’s future could be thrown into uncertainty. The current CBA expires on October 31, and without a deal in place, the WNBA may be staring down a lockout.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
