The 2025 WNBA Finals kicked off Friday night with plenty of on-court action, but the real story unfolded off the hardwood. In a tight Game 1, A’ja Wilson’s 21 points led the Las Vegas Aces to an 89–86 win over the Phoenix Mercury. However, the biggest headlines aren’t about the game itself.
Instead, everyone talks about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who responded to a major controversy started by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, putting the league’s leadership directly in the hot seat.
What Did Cathy Engelbert Say About the Caitlin Clark Controversy?
Before Game 1 of the 2025 Finals tipped off, Engelbert held a media session to address the firestorm surrounding her alleged comments about Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark. She flatly denied telling players that Clark should just be “grateful” for the platform provided by the WNBA.
“Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game; she’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game,” Engelbert stated.
“I’m proud of what she’s put on the court; unfortunately, the injuries held her back from a full season this year. I’m not going to get into every point, counterpoint; it’s not productive here, we’re here to celebrate the WNBA Finals… As I said, there was a lot of inaccuracies reported out there, and I certainly did not say that,” said Engelbert during the pregame interview.
So, where did this all begin? The controversy traces back to the Minnesota Lynx’s exit interviews after their semifinal loss. During her interview, Collier spoke about long-simmering issues within the league, including inconsistent officiating and the significant pay disparity between WNBA and NBA players.
Collier explained she had brought these concerns directly to Engelbert, using Clark as a prime example. Clark’s arrival has fueled record ratings and sold-out arenas, yet the players driving this success are not seeing their salaries reflect that value. According to Collier, Engelbert’s response was dismissive.
“Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.’ And in that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars, for the media rights deal that I got them.’ That’s the mentality driving our league from the top,” said Collier during the exit interview.
That alleged comment sparked outrage, fueling debates about respect, growth, and the league’s priorities. However, this situation is not the only controversy Engelbert has recently faced.
Why Did the League Also Face Backlash Over Cheryl Reeve?
Critics also point to the WNBA’s handling of Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve during the semifinals. On Sept. 27, during a tense Game 3 against the Mercury, Collier was struck on a play with no foul called, forcing her out of the game with an injury. Reeve confronted the officials, demanding accountability, and was ultimately ejected from the game.
Her frustration continued in the postgame press conference, where she called the officiating “F*****g malpractice.” The league’s swift response was to suspend her for the next game, marking the first-ever postseason suspension for a head coach in WNBA history.
The financial penalty was even more stunning: a record $15,000 fine. Other coaches who voiced similar concerns, such as Becky Hammon and Stephanie White, were also fined. These punishments drew sharp criticism from fans and analysts, who questioned whether the league punished passion instead of addressing valid concerns about officiating.
As Engelbert attempts to steer the conversation back to the Finals, the backlash shows no signs of slowing down. Her denial of Collier’s claims was forceful, but it will take more than words for many critics to prove the league is listening.
