The Finals may be over, but tensions fueled by Napheesa Collier’s exit interview still linger. The Lynx player blamed the WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, for a lot of things, like poor pay, lack of communication, poor officiating, and saying that Caitlin Clark should probably thank her lucky stars for the platform the WNBA seems to provide her with. Sure, Engelbert dismissed the comments as inaccurate while promising to do better, but nobody knows if they can build back from the fallout. Now, even WNBA owners are said to be questioning her leadership, though not necessarily in the way Collier might have hoped.

Nearly half the league, from coaches and star players to fans, may have rallied behind the Lynx forward, but the owners weren’t supportive of her approach. Speaking with ESPN on October 17, an anonymous owner said, “If you fire her now, it’s admitting weakness. It’s a terrible look for the league… I can’t stand what [Collier] did. That was a private conversation. It makes me not want to fire her, even though I think she should be fired.”

But, Collier, too, had made it clear that this isn’t the first time she tried raising concerns. “I’ve finally grown tired. For too long, I have tried to have these conversations in private, but it’s clear there is no intention of accepting there’s a problem,” she said. “The league has made it clear it isn’t about innovation, it isn’t about collaboration, it’s about control and power.” Her words made it clear that it wasn’t personal but about a broader narrative around the WNBA overall:

Even though Engelbert has overseen impressive financial growth, like the $75 million capital raise in 2022, $925 million in new franchise fees over the past three years, and the jump in franchise buy-in prices from $50 million to $250 million, her leadership hasn’t fully won over either the players or some owners. For many, the question is no longer about dollars and deals but about whether Engelbert has the relationships and communication skills needed to guide a league that has grown faster and more visible than anyone could have predicted. Collier’s criticism put that into sharp relief.

The timing is particularly tricky because the WNBA is heading into a crucial period with collective bargaining agreement negotiations looming. Players are pushing for guaranteed travel, housing, and roster protections, while owners weigh growth against expenses. “Either Cathy has to change how she relates to the players, or there has to be a change in that role,” another unnamed executive said. Fruitful CBA negotiations can surely be a saving grace at this point. 

“It’s such a hot take world that you ask that right now and it’s like, of course the answer is ‘no’ [Engelbert won’t remain commissioner],” another team executive said. “But if she can repair relationships with certain individuals — which you can, you always can — and you can get a good CBA done, then yeah I think she can [stay]. It’s not going to be easy.” And then there was one, who actually thought Collier might have been a little too harsh on the commissioner in the first place:

As another owner put it, “I believe Napheesa’s comments… I think sometimes the approach of [Engelbert’s] message hasn’t always been delivered well… CBA negotiations and other negotiations are always hard, but it might not have been as confrontational, I think, if there was a little bit better dialogue and relationship-building there. And I don’t know at this stage if that’s repairable or not.”

Well, yes, CBA discussions aren’t new for the league or Cathy Engelbert. In fact, she was part of the 2019 CBA discussions alongside interim president Mark Tatum. So, she’s got the experience, but it’s not proving helpful. Her inability to close the deal, combined with Collier’s explosive comments, in which she called the league’s leadership “the worst in the world,” has only deepened the divide. So, it doesn’t matter if Engelbert says she’s “never been a quitter,” the challenges aren’t limited to leadership alone. 

Officiating has been a sore spot all season, and it boiled over during the WNBA Finals. Coaches, players, and executives alike have raised concerns about inconsistent calls and a lack of accountability. Coach Nate Tibbetts, who was ejected during the Finals, didn’t hold back, calling the officiating “weak, weak, weak,” a sentiment many around the league share. And Engelbert’s handling of these issues has only added to doubts about her leadership. “If I had a vote,” one owner said, “I would probably ask for a replacement.

And now, with Engelbert’s controversy and the October 31 deadline looming, owners feel “change is a must.” After all, it’s the players who help the league profit, and their not playing would benefit no one. So, replacing Engelbert could be a way out-but is it?

Replacing Cathy would be a little difficult!

When Stephen A. Smith came across Cathy’s comments, he immediately asked the Commish to “resign”. And, half of the league thinks the same. But that doesn’t seem likely.. Not just because Cathy said she’s focused on rebuilding trust, but also because of how Cathy Engelbert was recruited back in 2019.

For Cathy, her hiring process was a bit different compared to those who came before her. She was appointed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who wanted her hiring to be historic, which is why she was given the title of Commissioner. That’s how she became the first-ever commissioner of the WNBA. And ever since, she’s been working closely with Adam. As Terrika Foster-Brasby said on WNBA on NBC, “Cathy works for Adam.”

And, her statement is true as the NBA holds 42% of the league, equal to what WNBA owners hold. The men’s pro league has financially supported the W since its formation in 1996. And that’s exactly why we’re seeing delayed CBA talks and the looming October deadline. So, what do you think – will she be replaced?