Napheesa Collier: 'People Are Seeing That Changes Need to Be Made'
Three months after her public criticism of WNBA leadership, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier remains optimistic about the league's future. She emphasizes that players are united and determined to secure meaningful changes through ongoing collective bargaining negotiations.
Napheesa Collier, a Minnesota Lynx star, continues to advocate for significant changes in the WNBA following her September criticism of Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's leadership. Her statement resonated with numerous players, including Lexie Hull, Angel Reese, and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike.
Although structural changes haven't materialized at the league level, Collier remains confident in the players' association and the ongoing collective bargaining agreement negotiations. The primary negotiation focuses include salary structure, revenue sharing, childcare improvements, and enhanced retirement benefits. Collier emphasizes that players are frustrated but unified, not fatigued.
She views the period from December to March as critical for negotiations and sees player gatherings at events like Unrivaled and Athletes Unlimited as opportunities to build momentum. The players have extended the current CBA through January 9, 2026, while continuing discussions. Collier believes the conversation about necessary changes has gained traction and will ultimately lead to improvements.
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