In her address, Collier, 29, criticized league leadership and recounted a conversation in which she challenged Engelbert on the low salaries for rising stars like Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers. According to Collier, Engelbert responded by saying, "Caitlin should be grateful she made $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything."
The Indiana Fever, Clark's team, later issued a statement saying Clark would not comment for the time being. They noted her next media availability will likely be during her exit interviews, though the exact timing remains uncertain since the Fever are still in contention for the WNBA Finals.
Engelbert responded in a statement shared with PEOPLE, saying she was "disheartened" by Collier's remarks. "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 to this work will not waver."
Collier, who co-founded the Unrivaled Basketball league, also claimed Engelbert said players "should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal I got them." She further criticized officiating in the league, saying that while the WNBA has the "best league in the world" and the "best fans in the world," it also has the "worst leadership in the world."
Her remarks quickly spread across social media, drawing strong reactions from fans and figures in basketball. NBA Today host Malika Andrews urged her followers to listen to Collier's full statement, calling it refreshingly direct. Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, a close friend of Clark, reposted a clip with a single reaction: "Whew."