The WNBA found itself in the middle of a firestorm this week after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier spoke out about commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leadership. Collier claimed Engelbert told players that they should be “on their knees thanking their lucky stars” for the league’s new media rights deal and suggested that players like Caitlin Clark “wouldn’t make anything” without the platform the WNBA provides. Those words quickly spread across the league, sparking outrage from players and coaches alike.
One of the most powerful responses came from Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson, who didn’t mince words following her team’s Game 5 victory over the Indiana Fever. Wilson, who had just led the Aces to a 107–98 win that secured a spot in the WNBA Finals, opened her postgame press conference by voicing her disgust.
“I had an opportunity to listen to Phee, and I just want to say I was honestly disgusted by the comments that Kathy made. But at the same time, I’m very appreciative that we have people like Phee in our committee of our players association representing us because that’s what we’re going to have to continue to do — make the push to stand on what we believe in.”
“And I’m grateful to have those type of people be able to continue to speak up for us. And I’ma ride with Phee always because she knows. Obviously, she’s a business girlie and she has her own stuff going on. But moving forward, we got to continue to stand on business as we talk about this CBA negotiation.”
Collier’s remarks had already drawn support from around the WNBA. Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky, Seattle Storm veteran Erica Wheeler, and Fever head coach Stephanie White were among those who publicly backed her. Wilson’s comments, however, carried even more weight. As a four-time MVP and the face of the Aces franchise, her voice is among the loudest in the sport.
The controversy comes at a delicate moment. The WNBA and the Players Association are locked in CBA talks that will shape the financial and professional future of the league’s athletes. Issues like player compensation, working conditions, and league marketing have been ongoing points of contention, and Engelbert’s alleged comments poured fuel on the fire.
For Wilson, this is about more than words; it’s about respect and the future of the game. She’s been vocal for years about elevating the WNBA, demanding better pay, exposure, and fairness. Her open criticism of the commissioner makes it clear that players are ready to challenge the league’s leadership head-on if they feel disrespected or undervalued.
In the short term, Wilson and the Aces will shift focus to the Finals, where they’ll face the Phoenix Mercury. But the larger conversation around Engelbert’s leadership isn’t going away. If anything, Collier’s statement and Wilson’s backing may become a turning point in the CBA negotiations, pushing players to stand united in demanding change.
As Wilson put it bluntly, this is about standing on business. And in today’s WNBA, that means players are no longer afraid to call out even the commissioner if it means moving the game forward.
