Napheesa Collier Criticizes WNBA Leadership as CBA Deadline Looms/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ WNBA star and union VP Napheesa Collier has sharply criticized league leadership just weeks before collective bargaining talks with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Collier’s dual role as both a union leader and co-founder of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league gives her and players additional leverage. The outcome of these negotiations could reshape salaries, free agency, and long-term growth in women’s basketball.
Quick Look (Key Points)
- Who: Napheesa Collier (Minnesota Lynx, WNBPA VP)
- When: Ahead of Oct. 31, 2025 CBA deadline
- What She Said: Criticized league leadership, revealed private talks with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
- Why It Matters: Collier’s Unrivaled league provides leverage and alternative pay for players
- Player Support: Backed by A’ja Wilson, Paige Bueckers, Breanna Stewart, Angel Reese
- At Stake: Salaries, travel (charter flights), benefits, and free agency structure
Deep Look
Collier’s Criticism and Its Weight
WNBA star Napheesa Collier, also a union VP, has criticized league leadership just weeks before the Oct. 31 CBA deadline. Her dual role as player rep and Unrivaled 3-on-3 league co-founder gives players extra bargaining power. The outcome could reshape salaries, travel, and free agency for women’s basketball.
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier isn’t just a star athlete — she’s also a vice president of the WNBPA (Women’s National Basketball Players Association), and her sharp criticism of league leadership this week could set the tone for high-stakes collective bargaining negotiations.
The current CBA (collective bargaining agreement) expires Oct. 31, and Collier will sit directly across from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in negotiations that could redefine salaries, benefits, and travel standards.
Adding another layer: Collier co-founded Unrivaled, a growing 3-on-3 women’s league featuring WNBA talent. Its financial stability offers players an alternative income stream, potentially reducing the leverage of league owners.
“We’re working hard to make sure we are putting ourselves in the best position to negotiate for what we think is fair,” Collier said, noting she’s been meeting with players internally despite rehabbing torn ankle ligaments.
Trust Issues at the Negotiating Table
Collier revealed private conversations with Engelbert during her season-ending press conference, raising concerns about trust and transparency at the bargaining table.
While Collier has been critical, Engelbert has secured major wins for the league since her 2019 appointment:
- 6 new expansion teams by 2030
- $2.2 billion media rights deal for the next decade
- Full charter flights for all teams during the 2025 season
Still, players want assurances those improvements are locked into the next CBA, especially around salaries, health care, and travel safety.
Player Support for Collier
Collier’s remarks sparked an outpouring of support from across the WNBA:
- A’ja Wilson (2025 WNBA MVP): “I’m grateful to have those type of people to be able to continue to speak up for us … we’ve gotta continue to stand on business as we talk about this CBA negotiation.”
- Paige Bueckers (Rookie of the Year): Backed Collier on Instagram with the caption “Queen Phee.”
- Breanna Stewart and Angel Reese — both slated to play in Unrivaled — have also been vocal about backing union efforts.
Collier’s ability to rally stars and rookies alike strengthens the union’s negotiating position.
Free Agency at Stake
The negotiations could dramatically reshape WNBA free agency:
- Nearly every veteran player not on a rookie contract becomes a free agent this offseason.
- Normally, free agency begins in January, with signings allowed in February.
- A potential lockout or strike could eliminate offseason access to team facilities, training, and medical care.
The looming uncertainty raises pressure on both sides to strike a deal before the deadline.
Unrivaled as a Safety Net
Unrivaled, Collier’s winter 3-on-3 league, is entering its second season in January. It has expanded to 54 players and 2 new teams, with average salaries of $220,000+, close to the WNBA’s max contract.
Key highlights:
- Features stars like Collier, Stewart, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers.
- Offers NIL deals to top college athletes, ensuring a pipeline of talent.
- Provides financial security if the WNBA faces a lockout or extended dispute.
By giving players another income stream, Unrivaled reduces the economic risks of a strike, strengthening the union’s leverage.
Why This Matters
The 2025 WNBA CBA talks are pivotal:
- Players want: higher salaries, better benefits, guaranteed charter flights, and expanded revenue sharing.
- The league wants: financial stability, sustainable expansion, and protection of its media rights deals.
- The stakes: With player-driven alternatives like Unrivaled gaining traction, the WNBA may have less power to dictate terms than in past negotiations.
Collier’s role as both critic and negotiator ensures that her words carry weight far beyond one press conference.
Key Takeaways
- Napheesa Collier’s criticism isn’t just personal — it’s strategic as she leads CBA talks.
- Unrivaled league gives players backup income, reducing pressure to settle.
- Other WNBA stars are rallying behind her, increasing union unity.
- The outcome could redefine salaries, travel, and free agency for women’s basketball.
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