Napheesa Collier Cancels Meeting with WNBA Commissioner
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has canceled her meeting with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, scheduled for next week, according to sources close to the situation. Collier had previously expressed his willingness to meet with Engelbert to discuss the criticisms directed at the commissioner and the league, following a press conference on Tuesday. However, Engelbert’s statement at a press conference on Friday, where he denied the accuracy of Collier’s version of a private conversation, “has practically damaged the relationship irreparably,” according to a source. A league spokesperson reported that Collier had not yet notified Engelbert about the cancellation of the meeting.Engelbert vehemently denied having said that Caitlin Clark and other prominent players “should be on their knees” in gratitude for the platform the league has provided them, as Collier claimed. The commissioner added that “there is a lot of imprecision on social media and in all these reports.” “I have a lot of respect for the players. There is a lot of emotion and passion at this moment in relation to collective bargaining… Obviously, I am disappointed.” Engelbert acknowledged that he has a lot of work to do to rebuild trust with the players, but he expressed confidence that he will be able to do it. Players from across the league expressed their support for Collier and her criticisms of the WNBA’s management, including Clark, who stated that the Lynx star made “valid points”.I did not make those comments.
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
