Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has once again stepped into the role of Caitlin Clark’s enforcer — only this time, her target wasn’t an opposing player, but WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The firestorm started after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier revealed details from her exit interview, where she clashed with Engelbert over player pay during ongoing CBA negotiations. Collier pressed the commissioner on why Clark, the league’s biggest draw, earns just $78,066 under her rookie deal.
According to Collier, Engelbert fired back by saying Clark should be “grateful” for the $16 million she earns off the court and even suggested she’d be nothing without the WNBA.
The alleged remarks triggered backlash across social media, with Cunningham firing off a blunt response under Sideline Sources’ IG post:
“People only know Cathy because of C (Caitlin Clark)… she’s the most delusional leader our league has seen.”
She didn’t stop there, adding:
“And it shouldn’t ever be about our commissioner in the first place.”
Her comments echo a growing frustration among players who feel the league’s leadership hasn’t caught up to its surge in popularity. Thanks to Clark, along with rising stars Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers, the WNBA’s visibility and revenue are at record highs. Yet salaries remain a fraction of those in other pro leagues. With the current CBA set to expire October 31, tensions between players and the league office are only heating up.
Sophie Cunningham’s coach raving over Napheesa Collier’s comments
Ahead of Indiana’s do-or-die Game 5 against the Las Vegas Aces, Fever coach Stephanie White publicly backed Collier for speaking out.
“I have a lot of respect for Phee,” White said. “She quietly always goes about her business. She’s been a dominant player in our league and on the global stage. She understands, has been a part of the PA and understands the business side of it as well as the basketball side of it, and I’m thankful that we have strong women that are willing to say the things that matter and the things that will move the needle for change.”
Steph White on Phee’s comments – “I have a lot of respect for Phee. She quietly always goes about her business. She’s been a dominant player in our league and on the global stage. She understands, has been a part of the PA and understands the business side of it as well as the…
— Cancun CC Report (@cc22report) September 30, 2025
While Clark herself has remained silent, Cunningham’s sharp defense and White’s endorsement of Collier highlight the divide between players and league leadership — and set the stage for a pivotal showdown in the boardroom as well as on the court.
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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.
