LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 03: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the media ahead of Game One of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury at Michelob ULTRA Arena on October 03, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
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In her own words, it was a tough week. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed the media this Friday, in Las Vegas, ahead of Game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury. It was the first time she took questions since Napheesa Collier publicly bashed league leadership, including Engelbert herself, for “malpractice” and lack of concern for player safety and wellbeing.
Collier’s comments, made during her exit interview, sent a shockwave around the league, with several players, including WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike, supporting her attitude. The commissioner, later, released a statement via WNBA PR expressing surprise upon learning the player’s perception of the privately made comments.
But it took a couple days until Engelbert spoke directly to and took questions from media. In an opening statement, she reinforced feeling disheartened that players’ don’t approve of her leadership, announced plans to address officiating concerns and expressed confidence on getting a new CBA signed soon. Those were also the main themes brought up in questions.
WNBA Commissioner Contests and Denies Claims Made By Collier
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: (EDITOR’S NOTE: This image was sent with alternate crop.) Napheesa Collier #24 of the Minnesota Lynx calls a play during the first half against the New York Liberty during Game Five of the WNBA Finals at Barclays Center on October 20, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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“There’s a lot of inaccuracy out there through social media and all this reporting,” Engelbert, who also expressed respect for Collier, said.
“You saw it in my statement, but I have the utmost respect for Napheesa and every single player in our league. They are at the center of everything we do … No one should ever doubt how deeply I care about this league, this game and every single player who makes the WNBA what it is.”
When asked if the comment she made about Caitlin Clark needing to be grateful to the WNBA for her $16 million earned in partnerships, Engelbert denied those claims.
“Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game. She’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game.”
One question that remains is if the commissioner can still lead the league when confidence from players is so far gone. But she doesn’t seem to the concerned.
“I feel confident that we can repair any loss of trust,” she said. “We’ll dialogue with players. One-on-one relationships, groups of relationships. Players have reached out to me.”
Need To Address Officiating Recognized By WNBA Commissioner
Boston, MA – July 15: Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark sits on the bench with a towel over her head after a possible injury in the fourth quarter at TD Garden on July 15, 2025. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
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“I think it’s pretty clear that we’re misaligned currently on what our stakeholders want from officiating.”
Per ESPN’s and Rotowire’s WNBA injury trackers, at least 30 players were either out for a period or the rest of the season in 2025. That counts for about 20% of roster pieces being displaced and includes super stars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. To solve that problem, which has been brought up by multiple coaches and players, the league is tapping on two initiatives.
“At the conclusion of the season, as we do every year, the league’s competition committee will meet to evaluate the state of the game. which includes game rules, officiating and player safety on the court. The Players Association and players as always are invited to engage.”
“Also, beyond that, we are establishing a multi-stakeholder task force, call it like a state-of-the-game committee, inviting player voices and other stakeholders to that table to ensure that our officiating platform evolves in step with the growth of the league.”
Engelbert hopes that league, referees and players are able to work together to identify and close the gaps that may help athletes feel safer.
“There are no greater stakeholders than our players. Their voice is integral to the alignment that is required for good officiating. We look forward to including their perspectives on how our staff can better serve the game moving forward.”
CBA Negotiations Are Underway But WNBA Commissioner Believes Extension Might Be Necessary
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JULY 19: Brittney Sykes #15 of the Washington Mystics holds a “Pay the Players” sign next to Angel Reese #5 of the Chicago Sky following the 2025 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
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The road ahead is not supposed to become any smoother for Engelbert. With the deadline for a new CBA coming up, there is still a lot of uncertainty if players and league will be able to find a middle ground on a new deal. The commissioner has historically held a more positive outlook on the negotiations, whereas the athletes foresee a glooming battle that could end up in a lockout.
“On the October 31st deadline, we’re working really hard. We have a couple meetings
next week. … While I hope we make the October 31st deadline, and that is a real deadline from that perspective, we have extended deadlines in the past. I know last time, when I was only a couple days on the job, we got to an extension and got a deal done that was progressive at the time. So again, I feel confident that we can get a deal done, but if not, I think we could do an extension.”
Engerlbert’s first months as WNBA commissioner were very similar to the ones she is facing now. She came into the league in May 2019 as the WNBPA was negotiating a new CBA after opting out of the latest one at the end of the 2018 season. Both parts were able to come to an agreement in January 2020.
“We have a lot of experience in these negotiations, even well before I got here, but now this one. So again, yes, it’s a balance. We want to make sure there’s no interruption, but obviously that’ll be up to the players and our owners.”
The main point of contention, according to recent players’ statements is revenue share. According to members of the PA, the WNBA is not willing to meet their demands, while the commissioner claims concerns for long-term sustainability of the league.
‘Yeah, I think it’s all about balancing the significant increase in salaries and benefits with the long-term viability of the league. We’ve made proposals with significant rev share components already in the money, rev share components as I reported I guess it was at All-Star. They’re obviously bargaining for more.’
“That’s the balance. The balance is between — I would return every single dollar we possibly can, and we will. But balancing that with making sure our owners are incentivized to continuing their investment.”
After the press conference, some players reinforced their support to Napheesa Collier, continuing to pressure the WNBA commissioner.
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