Napheesa Collier 's piercing statements, which targeted the leadership, or lack thereof, shown by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, have been a flashpoint of controversy in the women's basketball community.
Collier, a five-time WNBA All-Star and former Defensive Player of the Year, criticized Engelbert on many fronts, including the paltry salaries that the league's brightest stars, such as Paige Bueckers , Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark , make in their first few years in the league despite the prominent role they play in elevating the WNBA to new heights.
What took the cake, though, was Engelbert's alleged claim that Clark should be grateful to the league for giving her a platform to earn a salary for her hoop skills. Veteran ESPN broadcaster Scott Van Pelt was up in arms over this, calling Engelbert's comment "preposterous."
The WNBA has seen many talented women's basketball players compete in the league. However, none have uplifted the league to the lofty platform it stands on now than Clark, the electric and dynamic guard from Iowa, who sold out WNBA arenas that were once empty.
Clark's impact on the league has been truly remarkable, with viewership and merchandise sales increasing since her arrival in the league in 2024. So, for Engelbert to actually downplay her importance to the league is not only insulting but also completely ignorant of the facts.
"If she actually suggested Caitlin Clark should be grateful for what she makes off the court, that's preposterous," Van Pelt said .
"Did you miss the Iowa years?" he continued, referring to Clark's incredible NCAA run that drew massive attention and hype to women's basketball. "Clark is the Tiger Woods tide that lifts all boats. And we know this, our show is proof. The highest rating we've ever had followed one of her games at Iowa. The WNBA has benefited from her presence more than the other way around."
Yet, despite the starring role that she's playing in raising the WNBA's profile, which has helped it lock down a lucrative media rights deal, Clark is only making a paltry $78,066 this season, which is only a couple of thousand bucks more than the $76,535 she made during her dazzling rookie season.
One pointed criticism of Engelbert is her lack of connection to the players. This point was recently hammered home by former WNBA superstar Elena Delle Donne, who commented that "I'm still not sure if Cathy knows I'm retired. Heard from everyone but her."
Van Pelt also chimed in on the matter, saying it's absurd that the league commissioner never even bothered to commemorate the retirement of one of the league's greatest players. Delle Donne was a two-time MVP, a WNBA champion, a seven-time All-Star and a member of the elite W25.
"When a player as beloved, respected, and decorated as Delle Donne retires, a multiple MVP, league champion, seven-time All-Star, and member of the W25, which celebrated the top 25 players in the league's first 25 years, you throw that woman a parade," Van Pelt said. "To fail even the most basic and decent thing, which is to reach out and say thanks — which couldn't be easier to do — is to fail the most basic and decent thing expected of leadership."
Save for a tempered statement released after Clark's exit interview, Engelbert and the WNBA have remained mum on all the topics that were brought up during the four-minute statement. While silence may be appropriate in specific contexts, the present circumstances demand accountability and transparency, particularly from someone in a position of power.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Oct 3, 2025, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
