The WNBA has grown exponentially since its first season. That was back in 1997 when there was rightful uncertainty among ardent supporters about whether a professional women’s basketball league had long-term sustainability. Today, the 13-team Women’s National Basketball Association is packing NBA arenas and will add franchises in Toronto and Portland next season. But the league is in turmoil in the midst of its finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury.
The Aces led the WNBA’s first-ever best-of-seven series 2-0 when Game 3 tipped off Wednesday in Phoenix. The Aces took Games 1 (89-86) and 2 (91-78) at home last Friday and this past Sunday. Prior to this season, the finals were best-of-five, another indicator of the league’s growth.
In Game 1, the Aces averted the Mercury offense as reserve guard Dana Evans hit huge shots down the stretch, finishing with 21 points, including five 3-pointers. League MVP A’ja Wilson also had 21 points with 10 rebounds. In Game 2, veteran guard Jackie Young lit up the Mercury with 32 points, setting a finals record for most points in a quarter with 21 in the third. Wilson added 28.
The battle off the court between the players and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has garnered as much coverage as the games. The players’ current collective bargaining agreement ends on October 31. Negotiations thus far have shown a huge divide between the players and league leadership. In her Minnesota Lynx season exit interview, Napheesa Collier took aim.
“This conversation is not about winning or losing; it’s about something much bigger,” Collier said. “The real threat to our league isn’t money; it isn’t ratings or even missed calls or even physical play. It’s the lack of accountability from the league office.”
Collier’s comments included the lack of attention to complaints about officiating, alleging that Engelbert said only losers complain about the officiating. Collier also said she asked the commissioner why young players like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese, who have elevated the WNBA’s fanbase, must play for inferior salaries their first four years in the league. She alleged that Engelbert’s response was that Clark should be grateful for the $16 million she makes off the court because, without the platform of the WNBA, she would not make anything.
“The league has made it clear it isn’t about innovation; it isn’t about collaboration; it’s about control and power,” said Collier. Players, WNBA alumnae, and commentators have supported Collier.
Engelbert gave a retort in a press conference before game one of the Finals. While saying she had “the utmost respect” for Collier, she repeatedly referred to “a lot of inaccuracy.” In reference to the Clark comment, she said, “Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league.”
Engelbert said she’s “never been a quitter” and will do better. There will be a new multi-stakeholder task force to review the officiating. She said she would be meeting with Collier this week, but after the press conference, it has been reported that Collier refuses to meet with her.
After Collier’s initial statement, Elena Delle Donne said she has not heard a word from Engelbert since announcing her retirement in April. If the league’s commissioner did not even send well wishes to one of the WNBA’s iconic players — Rookie of the Year, two-time MVP, and WNBA Champion — then this is someone with utter disconnect from the players. Engelbert has done some great things from a business perspective, but none of them would have happened without the players. Time for a change.