Caitlin Clark Supports Napheesa Collier and Criticizes WNBA Leadership
Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has expressed her support for Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier following Collier’s criticism of the WNBA’s direction.Clark, who has been off the courts due to injuries for much of the season, added that she deeply respects Collier and agrees with her views. The player emphasized the importance of strong leadership to take advantage of the historic moment that the league is experiencing, which celebrates more than 25 years of existence. Collier revealed that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told her that Clark “should be grateful to earn 16 million dollars off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t earn anything.” Clark has not directly responded to this comment, but she did point out that NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals have allowed college players to develop their brands and earn income before reaching the league. When asked about what she considers good leadership, Clark responded that relationships are fundamental.“I think what people need to understand is that we need great leadership right now at all levels”, Clark stated.
Caitlin Clark
Clark emphasized the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships in professional sports, including dealing with the front office, the league commissioner, and teammates. Sophie Cunningham, Clark’s teammate on the Fever, went further in her criticism, expressing her frustration with the league’s direction.“It’s about relationships, and that’s the truth. Whether it’s a relationship with your office, with the league commissioner, or with your teammates. Why would my teammates want to listen to me if I didn’t have a relationship with them?”, added Clark.
Caitlin Clark
Cunningham also mentioned that he has received messages from NBA players, who are astonished by the current situation and feel sorry for the WNBA players. The player criticized the lack of changes in refereeing and the quality of leadership in the negotiations of the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which is about to expire. Cunningham hinted at the possibility of a lockout if the players’ demands are not met, which, according to her, would be a “stupid business decision” given the current trajectory of the WNBA. Both Cunningham and Clark will miss the 2025 season due to injuries. Clark, who only played 13 games in the current season, revealed that she suffered a sprained ankle in August while recovering from a groin injury. The player hopes to return to training with the team in October and prepare for future opportunities with USA Basketball.“I’m really not a fan of our leadership in the W,” Cunningham said. “I just think they’re failing us as a league, they’re definitely failing us as players. And everything Napheesa said, we all feel that way, and we’ll all back her up.”
Sophie Cunningham
