Sports Illustrated named Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart as Innovators of the Year. Collier and Stewart, who had a great season with their respective teams, were often known for speaking their mind.
Collier was known for her fiery comments against WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. She accused the league of negligence, often calling them out for paying Caitlin Clark less. WNBA fans remember every comment, and many believe that their constant comments on the league have had a negative effect.
Fans took to social media to drop negative reactions on Stewart and Collier. Here are some fan reactions from X.
“While simultaneously destroying the WNBA,” wrote a fan.
While simultaneously destroying the @WNBA !
— John Mitchel (@JohnLow82550976) December 18, 2025
“And they are ruining the WNBA by calling for a strike,” another fan responded.
“Idiots of the year. When asked about the WNBA, Breanna said that she’s focused on unrivaled (face with tears of joy emoji, Man face palming emoji),” another fan replied.
While some WNBA fans appreciated their achievement, many mocked the duo with their comments. Some called out Stewart for her previous comments on the league, and some were unimpressed with their overall Innovators of the Year award.
WNBA Fans Question The Need For The Award While They Mocked Stewart And Collier
Fans continued to drop negative comments on their award. Some WNBA fans questioned the need for the award, while many continued to mock both players.
“Wait wasn’t the Unrivaled started 2023 with its announcement of the league forming, all the teams, players, coaches, schedules were set by end of nov ‘24. So why get this award now?” asked one fan.
Wait wasn’t @Unrivaledwbb started 2023 with its announcement of the league forming, all the teams, players, coaches, schedules were set by end of nov ‘24. So why get this award now
— fester54 (@fester542) December 18, 2025
“These women cuz a conflict of interest are gonna tank a league hurting hundreds of other players cuz they got nothing to lose and making money. That’s selfish and messed up,” another fan commented.
“Two players willing to burn down the WNBA for some stupid 3 on 3 game no one watches,” another fan responded.
While Collier and Stewart have plenty of fans, it’s clear that many are unhappy with the award they received. Some WNBA fans said it was unnecessary, and it makes no difference.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through sabelreyes22@gmail.com. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
