Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview with the Minnesota Lynx has led to calls for WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to be fired, with Dave Portnoy among those criticizing the league
Dave Portnoy criticized the WNBA commissioner (Image: Getty)
The hashtag #FireCathyEnglebert was trending immediately on social media after Napheesa Collier dropped a verbal WNBA bombshell during her bold exit interview following the team’s playoff loss to the Phoenix Mercury. A controversy erupted that put Commissioner Cathy Engelbert squarely in the spotlight, with Barstool Sports’ Dave Portnoy redirecting focus to the player he felt the league couldn’t afford to mishandle in Caitlin Clark.
Collier’s press conference began not with media questions, but with a prepared written statement that slammed the league’s officiating as so inconsistent it bordered on sabotage, claiming the WNBA’s failure to tackle the problem is harming the sport. The way she presented it, the WNBA is engaging in “self-sabotage,” putting appearances ahead of fairness while everyone from supporters to coaches continues yelling into emptiness.
Collier then disclosed a conversation that portrayed the commissioner as condescending and even ridiculing of player worries. “I sat across from Cathy and asked how she planned to address the officiating issues in our league. Her response was, ‘Well, only the losers complain about the refs,'” Collier said. The news comes as Stephanie White and Lexie Hull immediately respond to Napheesa Collier’s WNBA statement.
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Portnoy also slammed the league’s officiating, particularly regarding Clark.
Caitlin Clark refused to respond to Cathy Engelbert’s comments.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
“In that conversation, she told me players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal I got them.”, reports the Express US.
Portnoy was stunned by the Commissioner’s remarks about one of the league’s biggest stars. “I continue to be astounded by how dumb Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA are,” he posted on X.
“It’s like her life goal is to alienate Caitlin and her fans. It’s insanity. Caitlin could start a new league tomorrow and put Cathy out of business. They won’t be happy till they kill the golden goose.”
Portnoy has essentially created a secondary brand centered around Clark this year, championing her against any perceived criticism. He’s wagered $25k on her performance, attended her games courtside, and attacked anyone who minimizes the so-called Caitlin Clark effect.
His newfound Indiana Fever devotion has come at the cost of Clark’s competitors like Angel Reese, leading to his social media ban by the Sky. Reese’s mysterious post on X following Collier’s statement read, “10/10, No notes,” implying that the Chicago Sky star supported those opposing WNBA leadership.
Engelbert issued a cautiously crafted statement that failed to fully respond to Collier’s remarks. She conspicuously avoided denying the specific quotes Collier credited to her, and did not directly mention Clark.
“I have the utmost respect for Napheesa Collier and for all the players in the WNBA. Together, we have all worked tirelessly to transform this league. My focus remains on ensuring a bright future for the players and the WNBA, including collaborating on how we continue to elevate the game. I am disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversations and league leadership, but even when our perspectives differ, my commitment to the players and this work will not waver.”
Engelbert’s controversy couldn’t have emerged at a more challenging moment. The WNBA’s existing CBA runs out on Halloween, just one month after the players’ union withdrew last year.
Negotiations for a fresh agreement have stalled despite unprecedented audience numbers, a $2.2 billion broadcasting rights package, and growth strategies to introduce two additional teams by 2030. Athletes have employed the phrase “transformational change” to outline their expectations, and there are no indications they’ll compromise on their requirements.