Collier Cancels Meeting with Engelbert: Tension in the WNBA

Napheesa Collier Cancels Meeting with WNBA Commissioner

Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has canceled her scheduled meeting with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, according to sources close to the situation. The meeting, which was expected next week, aimed to address Collier’s criticisms of Engelbert and the league. Previously, Collier had expressed his willingness to meet with Engelbert to discuss the concerns raised in a recent press conference. However, the situation took an unexpected turn. Commissioner Engelbert, in a press conference on Friday, refuted Collier’s claims about a private conversation between the two, arguing that Collier’s version contained inaccuracies. This statement, according to a source, “has practically damaged the relationship irreparably.” 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 had claimed.

I did not make those comments.

Cathy Engelbert

The commissioner acknowledged that there is much work to be done to rebuild trust with the players, but she expressed confidence in being able to achieve it. Players across the league expressed their support for Collier and her criticisms of the WNBA’s leadership, including Clark, who stated that the Lynx star made “valid points”.