What's happened
WNBA players, including Napheesa Collier and Satou Sabally, criticize league leadership and commissioner Cathy Engelbert over issues like officiating, salaries, and accountability. The ongoing dispute is linked to stalled CBA negotiations, with players demanding better pay, more opportunities, and transparency amid rising tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The current turmoil reveals a league at a crossroads. The players' vocal criticism exposes deep fractures within WNBA leadership, particularly around issues of accountability and financial fairness. The league's push for more control over players' offseason opportunities, especially regarding international play, has intensified tensions. The public disputes, including accusations of dismissive remarks and lack of support, suggest that the league's leadership, under Cathy Engelbert, is increasingly out of touch with its players' needs. This conflict will likely lead to a significant overhaul of the league's governance structure, with players demanding more transparency and better compensation. The upcoming CBA negotiations will be pivotal, potentially reshaping the league's future and its relationship with players. If leadership fails to address these issues, the league risks further damage to its reputation and player relations, which could impact its growth and fan engagement in the long term.
What the papers say
The articles from NY Post, AP News, and other sources collectively highlight a growing crisis within the WNBA. The NY Post reports on player frustrations and league disputes, quoting Collier and Sabally, while AP News emphasizes Clark's support and her comments on league accountability. The coverage underscores a pattern of leadership criticism, with players calling out Engelbert for dismissive remarks and lack of support. Contrasting opinions are minimal, as all sources agree that the league's leadership is under scrutiny, and negotiations for a new CBA are at a standstill. The coverage suggests that the league's internal conflicts are now public and could influence future negotiations and league policies.
How we got here
The controversy stems from ongoing dissatisfaction among WNBA players with league leadership, especially regarding officiating, salaries, and league policies. High-profile players like Collier and Clark have voiced concerns about the league's direction and leadership, amid stalled negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement set to expire on October 31, 2025.
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Common question
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What’s Really Going on with WNBA Leadership and Player Power in 2025?
In 2025, the WNBA is facing a major shake-up as players speak out against league leadership. High-profile criticisms from stars like Napheesa Collier have brought issues of accountability and respect to the forefront. Fans and followers are asking: what are the main issues between players and league leaders, and what does this mean for women’s sports? Below, we explore the key questions and what’s next for the WNBA and women’s sports governance.
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What Are the Main Criticisms of WNBA League Leadership?
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What’s Causing the WNBA Player-League Leadership Dispute?
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More on these topics
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Catherine "Cathy" Engelbert is an American business executive and Commissioner of the Women's National Basketball Association. Before joining the WNBA, she had been with Deloitte for 33 years, including as its first female CEO from 2015–2019.
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Napheesa Collier, nicknamed "Phee", is an American professional basketball player for the Minnesota Lynx of the Women's National Basketball Association. Collier is also a founder of the Unrivaled basketball league along with Breanna Stewart.
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Caitlin Clark is an American college basketball player for the Iowa Hawkeyes of the Big Ten Conference.