Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham Express Concerns About WNBA Leadership
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has expressed her support for recent criticisms from Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier regarding the WNBA’s leadership. Clark highlighted the importance of good direction at this crucial moment for the league.Clark revealed that she had not previously heard a comment from commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in which Collier was supposedly told that Clark should be grateful for earning $16 million off the court. Clark also pointed out that the NIL program has allowed college players to develop their brands and generate income before reaching the league.“I think what people need to understand is that we need great leadership right now at all levels. This is the most important time in the history of this league. This league has been around for over 25 years and this is a moment we have to seize”.
Caitlin Clark
Regarding what she considers good leadership, Clark emphasized the importance of relationships. “It’s about relationships, and that’s the truth,” she said. “Whether it’s a relationship with your front office, a relationship with the league commissioner, or a relationship with your teammates. Why would my teammates want to listen to me if I didn’t have a relationship with them? I think it’s the simplest thing and you have to be very intentional about seeking out those relationships and understanding your teammates”.
Sophie Cunningham, Clark’s teammate, was even more critical. Cunningham expressed her frustration with the league’s leadership, stating that she felt they were failing the players.Cunningham also mentioned that NBA players have contacted her, astonished by the situation and feeling sorry for how they are being treated. Cunningham criticized the league’s arbitration and described the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations as “very, very poor”, indicating that the players are considering a possible strike due to the lack of progress. Cunningham and Clark, both affected by injuries that will keep them out of the 2025 season, shared updates on their recovery. Clark, who injured her ankle in August, expects to start participating in 5-on-5 training by the end of October and is also preparing for opportunities with the USA Basketball team.“I’m not really a fan of our leadership in the W. I just think they’re failing us as a league, they’re definitely failing us as players. And everything Napheesa said, we all feel the same way and we’ll all back her up”.
Sophie Cunningham
