Minnesota Lynx guard Napheesa Collier accused the WNBA of "self-sabotage" and criticized its leadership, the BBC and other outlets reported on October 1, 2025. In a prepared statement, Collier, who is also the vice president of the players' union, asserted that the league's primary threat is a "lack of accountability from the league office," which she claims refuses to prioritize player welfare. Her comments followed a controversial playoff game where she sustained an ankle injury on a play that did not result in a foul.
Collier's criticism centered on inconsistent officiating that she said undermines the sport's integrity and a leadership culture that dismisses player concerns. She recounted private conversations where she claimed Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was dismissive of officiating complaints and player value. Engelbert responded in a statement that she was "disheartened" by Collier's characterization of their talks but affirmed her respect for the players and commitment to the league's future. Collier stated she was not concerned about a potential fine for her remarks but was concerned for the future of the sport.
