Napheesa Collier (Photo via X)
Napheesa Collier went to war with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert during her exit statement on Tuesday, calling the latter out for a lack of accountability as she delivered a powerful statement in front of reporters.
Collier, a senior member of the WNBA Players Association executive council, told the press she wanted to make a statement before taking on any questions, speaking for over four minutes as she discussed various concerns.
“We have the best league in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But we have the worst leadership in the world,” Collier said. “Year after year, the only thing that remains consistent is the lack of accountability from our leaders. If I didn’t know exactly what the job entailed, maybe I wouldn’t feel this way.”
Engelbert, who recently came under fire for failing to present an acquisition deal to the league’s board of governors, was also exposed for a disrespectful comment about Caitlin Clark during a private conversation.
Napheesa Collier Claims Cathy Engelbert Was Dismissive Of Caitlin Clark’s Impact
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
The W’s commish is said to have suggested that Clark should be grateful for the platform afforded to her by the league, as she wouldn’t have made the millions she’s made in endorsements otherwise.
“I also asked how she planned to fix the fact that players like Caitlin (Clark), Angel (Reese), and Paige (Bueckers), who are clearly driving massive revenue for the league, are making so little for their first four years,” the Minnesota Lynx star disclosed.
“Her response was that ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes 16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything’. In that same conversation, she told me that ‘players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deals that I got them.’”
The statement follows a move that had folks suggesting that the league hates the former Iowa Star, whose second pro season ended early due to a groin injury.
Clark, who is clearly the face of the WNBA, has been the biggest reason for renewed interest in women’s basketball and is responsible for more than a quarter of the league’s revenue in 2024.
She was projected to earn the WNBA up to $1 billion this year, yet her four-year contract with the Indiana Fever is worth just $338,000.
The Fever star had a $5 million offer from the BIG3 that reportedly increased to $15 million before even getting drafted, but ultimately rejected the opportunity, which would have only required her to play a 10-game regular season.
Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban
Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.
It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.
Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.
On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.
Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget
The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić
While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.
Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.
Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.
Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team
Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.
From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.
Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.
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