In an ever-deepening public relations black eye for the WNBA, the league's players continue to express discontent with commissioner Cathy Engelbert amidst gridlocked collective bargaining negotiations that could prompt a lockout when the CBA expires on Oct. 31.
It all started on Tuesday, when Minnesota Lynx superstar Napheesa Collier took aim at Engelbert in a four-minute prepared statement that strongly criticized league leadership. Collier alleged that Engelbert's WNBA lacks accountability and is unsuitable to meet the moment -- one in which the league has experienced unprecedented interest and growth.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham on Thursday took her own public dig at Engelbert during exit interviews in Indianapolis. Cunningham, who suffered a season-ending knee injury on Aug. 17, said she is "tired" of the WNBA's leadership and demanded "top to bottom" accountability."
"I think there are a lot of people in position of power in the WNBA who, they might be really great business people, but they don't know s--- about basketball," Cunningham said.
Cunningham, who has more than 200 professional games under her belt, agreed strongly with Collier's assessment of league leadership. The seven-year veteran called out Engelbert directly for "always making it about her" amid an allegation that she said Fever star Caitlin Clark would have no earnings potential without the platform the WNBA has given her.
"I think they're failing us as a league, definitely failing us as players," Cunningham told the media.
Sophie Cunningham backed up Napheesa Collier's comments: "Not really a fan of our leadership... I think they're failing us as a league, definitely failing us as players...
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) October 2, 2025
It's pretty shameful she always makes it about her, Cathy, when it should have nothing to do wit her."
It bears repeating that in 29 days, the WNBA's CBA expires. The league and the WNBA Players' Association remain at odds over revenue sharing, the standard of officiating, and the expansion of the season to 44 games without a corresponding expansion of roster sizes.
If the sides are close to an agreement, they could decide on a temporary extension to hash out a new CBA. But based on the comments from Collier, Cunningham, A'ja Wilson and others, the possibility of a work stoppage is growing by the day.
MORE WNBA NEWS:
Lynx's Napheesa Collier bashes WNBA amid hefty fine for Cheryl Reeve
Napheesa Collier reveals extent of ankle injury in incendiary exit interview
Fever GM makes 'unbelievable' Caitlin Clark statement following playoff exit
Cathy Engelbert's huge future update amid fierce Napheesa Collier criticism