While players continue pushing for fair ground in CBA talks, commissioner Cathy Engelbert has landed in hot water with the WNBA fans after her alleged comments on Caitlin Clark sparked backlash.
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier shared during her exit interview that she pressed Engelbert on why Clark — who’s driving so much of the league’s attention and revenue — isn’t compensated accordingly. According to Collier, Engelbert brushed it off by saying Clark should be “grateful” for the $16 million she makes off endorsements, even adding that she’d be nothing without the WNBA.
That remark didn’t sit well. Angel Reese quickly sided with Collier, dropping a short but sharp post on X: “10/10. No notes!”
Fans rallied behind the players too. One wrote,
“It’s the PLAYERS who created this growth moment for the W, not some suits in a corner office. Mostly Caitlin and Angel, with Juju and Paige pushing it too. Like what is Cathy smoking?”
It’s the PLAYERS who have created this massive growth moment for the W, not some suits in a corner office.
And by players I mean the new generation mostly Caitlin and Angel with a sprinkle of Juju and Paige. Like what is Cathy smoking.
— LAD2024WSC (@CCFC_LAD_LARAMS) September 30, 2025
Another warned Reese to be careful:
“If Cathy sees this, you better believe your sponsorships with this league are done.”
Angel you better be careful, if Cathy Engelbert sees this you better believe your sponsorships from this league are done
— Troydan (@Troydan) October 1, 2025
A third chimed in with humor:
“Cathy scrolling Twitter rn to see who she can fine next 😭💀 stay safe.”
The league’s popularity has never been higher, thanks to stars like Clark, Reese, and Paige Bueckers, but the salary gap remains glaring. With the current CBA set to expire October 31, both sides are under pressure to strike a deal.
Collier earns respect from the WNBA fans for speaking out
Napheesa Collier’s honesty has earned her plenty of praise from WNBA fans, who see her as one of the few veterans willing to stand up to the league office.
Malika Andrews even shared Collier’s full statement, where she urged Engelbert and the WNBA to recognize the true value of their players. Support poured in across social media.
One Fever fan commented,
“I’ve developed a lot of respect for players from other teams and Napheesa Collier is one of them. Well said, Lady!”
As a Fever fan, I have developed a lot of respect for some of the players from other teams and Naphessa Collier is one of them! Well said, Lady! pic.twitter.com/VbgjFGxRG8
— Laura Drew Highmiller (@KSCGatorgirl) September 30, 2025
“If the money’s there, pay them. If it’s not, then show the receipts and quit talking.”
If no deal is reached by the end of October, a lockout could be on the table — something that would hurt the WNBA’s image just as the league is finally breaking through.
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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.
