October 7, 2025

The WNBA is heating up, not just on the court but off it, with Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham unleashing a sharp attack on Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Sophie didn’t hold back in her latest podcast episode "Show Me Something," where she expressed deep frustration with the league's leadership and rules. Sophie said, “It's always about what she [Engelbert] wanted.” She openly questioned the fairness of player salaries, saying, “I think all of us are in agreement that our salary should be tied to the business that we bring in and it is not right at all. It is the most disrespectful percentage of you that I don't think any league has ever seen. Where do they want the money to go?” She speculated whether the money flows toward executives who have stayed in power for years without change. Sophie highlighted the importance of collaboration and growth for the league: “We want to keep the W in Business. We want the W to thrive. This is the best moment the W has ever had and it’s time to capitalize on it.” Her message was clear: top leaders like Engelbert should respect the players—the real stars who bring fans, sales, and excitement. The drama blew up when Napheesa Collier from the Minnesota Lynx made bold statements during her exit interview. She accused Engelbert of dismissing players’ concerns and even said, “only losers” care about refereeing problems. Collier also claimed that the commissioner told her Caitlin Clark should be “grateful for the WNBA because the league is responsible for her sponsorship deals.” Collier warned that the main threat to the league isn’t money or ratings, but “a lack of accountability from the league office.” She criticized inconsistent officiating that hurts the game's reputation. Commissioner Engelbert responded with a statement defending herself, but many players including Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Sophie Cunningham stood strong behind Collier’s claims. This fiery conflict shows how much the WNBA players want real respect and game-changing reforms. The league is at a turning point, and these voices are pushing hard for a better, fairer future in women's basketball.

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Tags: Sophie cunningham, Cathy engelbert, Wnba, Napheesa collier, League controversy, Wnba players,