Caitlin Clark voiced her support this week for Napheesa Collier after Collier criticized the WNBA’s leadership. The league is racing against the clock, as the current collective bargaining agreement expires on October 31. However, negotiations appear to be at a standstill.
It’s no secret that WNBA players feel underpaid, a concern that Clark and others have raised repeatedly. Clark became part of the ongoing debate after Collier allegedly revealed what WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert thinks about Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers.
A defining moment for WNBA players
According to the New York Post, Clark expressed her full support for Collier on Thursday, saying: “This is directly the most important moment in this league’s history. The WNBA has been around for over 25 years, and this is the moment we have to capitalize on. Honestly, that’s what I’d say—Phee said it all, and she made great points.”
Clark said that on Tuesday she learned Engelbert had told Collier in a closed-door meeting. “Caitlin should be grateful to earn $16 million off the court because without the WNBA platform, she’d be making nothing.” Since those comments became public, the commissioner has not reached out to her.
Clark declined to comment further on those remarks but noted that female athletes are now building their brands in college like never before. “Young women are coming into this league already creating their brands in college, and they’re bringing that momentum to the WNBA,” she explained.
“We need great leadership at this time across all levels. This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history. … Phee said it all.”
Caitlin Clark on Napheesa Collier’s exit interview regarding WNBA leadership pic.twitter.com/KETM1kMZWS— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) October 2, 2025
The Fever guard understands the impact this shift has had on both the NCAA and the WNBA. “This league is changing and will continue to evolve. As I said, this is the most important moment in WNBA history. Everyone knows it. Those in positions of power—and even myself—have a real responsibility to make sure this game and this league are in a great place moving forward with the CBA, protecting our players, and securing the future for years to come.”
Clark isn’t alone in her stance. Her teammate Sophie Cunningham also criticized WNBA officiating and league leadership this season. On Thursday, the Fever guard said she was “tired of our league,” adding: “Our leadership from top to bottom needs to be held accountable. There are people in power in the WNBA who might be great business minds—but they don’t know basketball.”
With such strong statements from key players, the WNBA may need to reconsider its collective bargaining strategy to address the players’ concerns—especially now that these internal issues are being exposed by outspoken stars like Caitlin Clark.
