Beyond the WNBA Finals, one topic dominates the conversation: the private discussion between Napheesa Collier and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert about Caitlin Clark. Collier’s decision to leak details of that conversation has sparked alarm. Analysts and fans alike are questioning what lies behind it.
Recently, Rachel DeMita suggested that a conflict of interest may exist, noting that Collier and Breanna Stewart serve as vice presidents of the WNBPA. Both are pushing for higher player salaries and are also co-founders of Unrivaled, a 3v3 women’s basketball league.
A possible conflict of interest emerges
According to Essentiallysports, DeMita shared her thoughts in the latest episode of Courtside Club. She speculated that the WNBA itself might benefit if negotiations with the WNBPA fail.
“We’ve talked about this conflict of interest many times,” DeMita explained. “Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart founded Unrivaled, and many wonder if it makes sense for them to sit at the negotiating table. If the WNBA shuts down or misses a season, Unrivaled would actually benefit.”
Collier and Stewart insist that Unrivaled wasn’t created to replace the WNBA, but their league offers better facilities and higher pay for WNBA stars. The deadline for a new agreement is October 31. If no deal is reached, Collier and Stewart stand to gain the most.
“They’ve said from the start that they want players to make real money,” DeMita continued. “If that’s truly the goal, then negotiating a CBA that raises salaries enough to eliminate the need for a rival league should also be part of it. But they’re in a tough spot—the WNBA was recently valued at over $320 million. What can they say to the investors who poured so much into the league if it suddenly can’t continue? They have to fight for it.”
The Caitlin Clark factor
In this context, Collier’s comments about the commissioner make sense. She reportedly called the WNBA ‘the worst leadership in the world’, while gaining support from Caitlin Clark’s passionate fanbase, which is putting pressure on Engelbert.
As DeMita explained, “They’re now on the verge of a possible lockout for next season. All the momentum—much of it built by Caitlin Clark—could collapse if no agreement is reached. And the irony is that they might fail to reach a deal because of a competing league born from good intentions.”
Indeed, Clark has become the key figure giving the WNBA confidence to reject the current collective bargaining agreement. For DeMita, the Fever star is now a valuable piece others may try to use for their own interests.
