NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
ACES DE LAS VEGAS The star A’ja Wilson criticized the WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, after the vice president of the Association of Players, Naphesa Collier, shared details of a conversation he had with Engelbert earlier this year in which the commissioner allegedly made derogatory and condescending comments about the concerns of the players.
After the extra game of game 5 on Tuesday, win over the Indiana feverThe four -time MVP of the League did not waste time addressing Collier’s previous comments, calling the League office.
The WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (L) presents A’ja Wilson (22) of Las Vegas Aces with the 2024 WNBA MVP Award during a press conference before game 1 of the WNBA Playoffs in the first round of ACES and the Seattle in Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 22, 2024. (Ethan Miller/Getty images)
“I honestly disliked the comments that Cathy made. But at the same time, I am very grateful that we have people like Phee in our association committee of players who represent us, because that is what we are going to have to continue doing the impulse of what we believe,” Wilson began.
CLICK HERE for more sports coverage at Foxnews.com
“I am grateful that such people can keep talking for us.”
After Minnesota Lynx was eliminated from the playoffs during the weekend, Collier went to the media with a long statement expressing concerns about the league and its leadership.
In addition to raising concerns about the security and arbitration of the players, Collier affirmed the biggest problem facing the WNBA It is the “lack of responsibility of the Office of the League.” Then he shared details of a conversation he had with Engelbert.
The Aces Center of Las Vegas A’JA Wilson (22) is preparing for the warning against the Mestics of Washington during the first quarter in Carefirst Arena in Washington, Columbia district, on August 23, 2025. (Rafael Suanes/Imagn images)
Naphesa Collier de Lynx against WNBA leadership, demands official changes
“I sat in front of Cathy (Engelbert) and asked him how I planned to address the officiating problems in our league,” Collier said. “His answer was: ‘Well, only the losers complain about the referees,” he said.
“I also asked how I planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin [Clark]Angel [Reese] and Paige [Bueckers]That they are clearly promoting massive income for the league, they are doing so little during their first four years. His answer was: “Caitlin should be grateful to win $ 16 million outside the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives it, it would do nothing.”
“And in that same conversation, she told me: ‘The players should be on your knees thanking their stars of luck for the agreement of the rights of the media that I got them.” That is the mentality that drives our league from the top. “
Team striker Collier Napheesa Collier (24) observes before the WNBA 2025 star game in Gainbridge Fieldhouse on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn images)
Engelbert responded to the accusations in a statement, saying that he was “discouraged” by Collier’s characterization of his conversation.
“I have the greatest respect for Naphesa Collier and for all the WNBA players. Together, we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My approach continues to guarantee a brilliant future for players and the WNBA, including collaboration on how we continue to raise the game,” reads his statement.
