Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier dropped a proverbial bombshell this week, accusing Commissioner Cathy Engelbert of telling her that Caitlin Clark “should be grateful” for what the WNBA gives her — like sponsorship deals. Translation? Without the league, Clark wouldn’t be anything.
Collier raised the claim during a press conference, as part of her larger criticism of how league leadership treats player concerns, compensation, and basic respect.
Fever guard Sophie Cunningham wasted no time backing her teammate — and blasting Engelbert. Cunningham said the commissioner’s attitude dripped with contempt for Clark, her legion of new fans, and the tremendous amount of money she’s bringing into women’s basketball.
“People only know Cathy because of C,” Cunningham said. “She’s the most delusional leader our league has seen. And it shouldn’t ever be about our commissioner in the first place.”
Engelbert eventually responded with a carefully worded statement, saying she was “disheartened” by Collier’s version of events — while insisting she’s still committed to the players and to lifting up the WNBA.
To say the reaction was skeptical is putting it mildly.
Other WNBA stars have weighed in as well. Clark herself backed Collier and called this moment a defining test of the league’s leadership.