WNBA Players’ Criticism of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA players’ union, reacted to Napheesa Collier’s statements about the league’s leadership. Collier, in an interview after her departure, strongly criticized commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the management of the WNBA, calling it “the worst in the world”.
“My first reaction was ‘I agree'”, Ogwumike stated. “And I felt proud to be part of this union and to have players like Phee demonstrating their leadership.”
Nneka Ogwumike
The players’ support for Collier was immediate and evident, showing a deterioration in the relationship between Engelbert and the athletes. This distancing has been developing over the years, despite the league’s growth and success in various areas.
The current situation is exacerbated by the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations, which expire on October 31. The players have expressed their dissatisfaction and the need for a thorough review of the agreement.
The players’ distrust of Engelbert’s leadership goes back several years, including tense moments like the 2020 season in the WNBA “bubble,” where players focused on social justice issues and activism.Nneka Ogwumike identifica los primeros signos de tensión con Cathy Engelbert en la temporada de 2020.In that period, the league and Engelbert publicly supported the players’ decisions, although, according to Ogwumike, internal conversations focused more on commercial aspects than on supporting the athletes.
Another point of conflict was Engelbert’s comments on the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, which were criticized by WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson for fostering a “toxic fandom”.Cathy Engelbert inició su mandato como comisionada de la WNBA con un nuevo convenio colectivo. Ahora, la comisionada es el blanco de las críticas de las jugadoras en medio de las negociaciones de uno nuevo.One of the biggest disagreements between the league and the players was the issue of charter flights. Despite the constant complaints from the players and incidents like the one involving Brittney Griner, the league was slow to implement charter flights for all teams. The arrival of Caitlin Clark and the media attention she generated finally prompted the league’s decision to implement charter flights for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Regarding the new collective bargaining agreement, the players are seeking a salary structure that is linked to the league’s revenue and higher salaries. Frustration is palpable, and the negotiations are presented as a crucial challenge for the future of the WNBA.Kelsey Plum cree que ambas partes pueden ganar en el próximo convenio colectivo. “La conversación ha sido combativa y eso está aumentando la frustración”, dice.Engelbert, faced with growing tension, tried to address the situation, but his statements failed to calm all the players.
The current situation of the WNBA reflects a complex dynamic between the league’s leadership and the players, with an uncertain future amid CBA negotiations.
