Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Napheesa Collier Calls Out WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert During Exit Interview, Sparking League-Wide Reaction

Image Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Napheesa Collier’s season-ending exit interview on Tuesday quickly became one of the most talked-about moments in the WNBA.

The Minnesota Lynx star used her final media availability to directly call out commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the league’s leadership. Collier raised concerns over a lack of transparency, player safety, officiating issues, and stalled collective bargaining agreement negotiations.

She emphasized that her words reflected her own perspective. “I’m not speaking for anyone else. I’m sure other people feel this way, but I want to be clear that I’m speaking for myself. This is how I feel,” Collier said.

Napheesa Collier’s full exit interview #LYNXRECOGNIZE pic.twitter.com/aeAx27wPAM
— Anastasia (@TheAnastasia25) September 30, 2025

Her remarks, however, struck a chord across the league. Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull quickly voiced her agreement and praised Napheesa Collier for addressing the issues.

“I agree with everything she said,” Hull remarked. “We’re at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made. And so you’re seeing her talk about that and really proud of her for making that statement today.”

Players and Coaches Rally Behind Napheesa Collier

Reactions continued to pour in throughout the day from coaches and former stars who echoed Collier’s concerns.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert responded in a statement. “I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA,” Engelbert said. “Together we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league.

“My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and to this work will not waver.”

Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, who recently faced a $15,000 fine for her own postgame outburst, acknowledged she had to measure her words carefully. Still, she expressed full support for her star forward.

“(Collier’s) voice is a really important one and I’m proud of Phee,” Reeve said during her own exit interview. “Who Phee has become as a player and a person in this league is really important. Her voice is important… I support our player.”