Caitlin Clark has now become more outspoken, making clear she disagrees with the leadership of the WNBA and, by extension, commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Her comments come at a tense moment, as the WNBA Players Association prepares to negotiate a new collective bargaining agreement that will define the league’s future.
The WNBA has turned into a central battleground for criticism, with accusations flying openly from both sides rather than being kept behind closed doors. That public friction has intensified the spotlight on Engelbert and the leadership structure she represents.
This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history, where this league’s been around for 25-plus years, and this is a moment we have to capitalize on,”… “So that’s honestly what I would say. Phee said it all, what she said and the points she made.
Clark said on Tuesday.
Her remarks came shortly after Engelbert’s name surfaced in connection with comments involving several of the league’s young stars, among them Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese.
Clark also stated she had no idea about remarks reportedly made in a private conversation between Napheesa Collier and Engelbert in January. According to Collier, Engelbert allegedly said:
Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.
Clark added she had not heard from Engelbert directly since those words went viral, after Collier repeated them publicly. Engelbert later attempted to address the controversy through a statement, saying she was.
Disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership.
Although Clark did not respond directly to Engelbert, she made it clear she views the dynamic of women’s basketball differently today, especially with the rise of NIL opportunities in college athletics.
Young women are coming into this league now with that type of, you know, I don’t even want to say it’s money, but they’re beginning to build their brands in college and then they’re bringing that to the WNBA.
Clark explained.
So, I think that’s just a way in which the league has changed and will continue to evolve. And that’s my main point. Like I said, we are in the biggest moment in WNBA history. There’s no denying that. Everybody knows that and everybody that’s in a place of power has a true responsibility and even myself, we have a responsibility to make sure that this game is in a great place going forward with the CBA and caring for our players. And building this league to make sure it’s in a great spot for many years to come.
The negotiations have turned into a visible battleground, reflecting deeper tensions about respect, money, and vision for the future. For now, both the players and league leadership will need to calm the waters to reach the best possible agreement for all involved.
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