Napheesa Collier is sending a firm reminder to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert that the league risks losing elite talent like Caitlin Clark if leadership fails to make meaningful changes, as players remain determined to see their demands addressed.
At Media Day for the Unrivaled league she co-founded, Collier highlighted that the fire among players remains strong despite months of ongoing collective bargaining talks. Her message was clear: change is necessary for the league’s future.
“I feel confident in the [WNBPA] and where we are internally with our players and the future,” Collier said. “People are seeing that changes need to be made.
“It’s coming from so many different directions, so many people feel this way. We’re just excited for the future.”
This appearance marks Collier‘s first public comments since her fiery September exit interview. At that time, she accused Engelbert of negligence and labeled WNBA leadership “the worst in the world.”
Winning the support of influential players such as Lexie Hull and Angel Reese, it’s clear how the athletes themselves feel and nearly a year into CBA negotiations, key sticking points remain unresolved.
Pay structure and revenue sharing continue to be the most significant hurdles. Players are also seeking improvements in areas like childcare, retirement benefits, and overall professional support.
So far, the only agreement has been to extend the current CBA until January 9, 2026, marking yet another delay.
Despite the approaching deadline, Collier emphasized that players’ resolve has not diminished, even if it risks a league-wide lockout affecting free agency, the draft, and expansion plans.
WNBPA have no plans to back down: ‘I don’t think there is fatigue’
The WNBA Players Association is pursuing a revenue-sharing model granting athletes roughly 30% of league and team revenue, with incremental growth over the life of the agreement. The league, however, is offering significantly less, keeping negotiations tense.
Unity among players is at an unprecedented level, with upcoming Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited seasons viewed as opportunities to gather, strategize, and push for meaningful change – and Collier warns that motivation has not faded.
“I don’t think there’s fatigue,” Collier told ESPN‘s Kendra Andrews. “Obviously, there’s frustration in that both sides are trying to get what they want.
“But we still have that fire within us that we’re willing to do what it takes. We’re going to do whatever it takes to get what we think we deserve.”
Collier emphasized the importance of having top athletes together in December, January, and into March, when critical negotiations are scheduled.
The WNBPA views this concentrated timeframe as essential for building alignment, fostering dialogue, and creating momentum toward resolution.
With the January deadline fast approaching, the stakes are real. What unfolds in the coming weeks will not only shape the CBA outcome but could also define the WNBA‘s immediate future – with the continued participation of stars like Clark potentially hanging in the balance.
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