October 10 was a night to remember for the Las Vegas Aces. Under the roaring lights, they clinched their third WNBA title in four years as they defeated the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 to cement their dynasty status.
It was a night of celebration, but amidst the confetti, one moment stood out. A’ja Wilson turned the spotlight from triumph to truth with a fiery five-word message directed at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
What Was A’ja Wilson’s Message to Cathy Engelbert?
It all unfolded during the postgame press conference when Aces guard Chelsea Gray passionately addressed the media.
Gray spoke candidly about the league’s need to respect its players, especially amid growing controversy surrounding Engelbert’s leadership and the league’s handling of key player issues.
“Top to bottom…there’s been a lot of eyes on this league and everybody’s been stepping up to the plate and putting on performances that’s legendary…when you have a league of people like that, it needs to be treated as such.”
“That’s payment, treatment, revenue share…when you have players like that at the forefront of change, you have to pay them like that because there’s no league without the players,” said Gray during the interview.
But as Gray emphasized her point, Wilson suddenly interrupted her by shaking a tambourine she’d procured from somewhere and gave a message to the WNBA commissioner. “Don’t play in our faces,” said Wilson.
The crowd of reporters laughed, but the message behind her five words carried weight. The controversy Wilson was referring to has been brewing for weeks. After their semifinal loss, it first ignited following the Minnesota Lynx’s exit interviews. During her media availability, star forward Napheesa Collier didn’t hold back.
She voiced the frustrations that many WNBA players have shared for years: inconsistent officiating, inadequate pay, and a general lack of respect for the athletes driving the league’s success.
This incident is the latest in a series of events highlighting the strained relationship between WNBA players and the league’s front office. The CBA negotiations have been a significant point of contention, with a deadline of October 31 looming. Players have expressed dissatisfaction with the league’s financial proposals and voiced concerns about officiating.
Collier revealed that she had personally confronted Engelbert about these issues, using Caitlin Clark as an example of how the league can be opportunistic and dismissive. Indeed, Clark’s arrival has undeniably reshaped the WNBA’s landscape.
Yet, according to Collier, Engelbert’s response to fair-pay discussions was shockingly tone-deaf. The commissioner allegedly told Collier that Clark should feel “grateful” for the opportunities the WNBA had given her, which is a remark that quickly went viral and sparked outrage among players and fans alike.
For many, it was a reminder that player empowerment remains an unfinished fight despite the league’s progress.
How Did A’ja Wilson Perform on Championship Night?
On Friday night, Wilson delivered one of the most dominant performances of her career. She dropped 31 points, pulled down nine rebounds, and added four assists and three blocks to seal the championship win.
Moreover, her performance also earned her the Finals MVP honors. Over the series, she averaged a jaw-dropping 28.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and two blocks per game.
Still, even in her moment of glory, Wilson used her platform to highlight something bigger than basketball. Her five-word message wasn’t just a jab, but it reminded everyone that while the Aces may reign on the court, the battle for respect and equity off it is far from over.
