A'ja Wilson Supports Napheesa Collier Amid Criticism of WNBA Commissioner

Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson has publicly supported Minnesota Lynx's Napheesa Collier after Collier criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's comments. Following the Aces' 107-98 overtime victory against the Indiana Fever, Wilson addressed the issue in her postgame press conference.

"I was honestly disgusted by the comments that Cathy made," Wilson stated. "But at the same time, I'm very appreciative that we have people like Phee in our committee of players' association representing us, because that's what we are going to have to continue to make the push to stand on what we believe in. I'm grateful to have those types of people be able to continue to speak up for us. I'm going to ride with Phee, always. Obviously she is a business girly and she has her own stuff going on. But moving forward, we gotta continue to stand on business as we talk about this CBA negotiation."

Collier had earlier criticized Engelbert for alleged remarks regarding player compensation and the league's media rights deal. According to Collier, Engelbert suggested that players like Caitlin Clark should be grateful for the platform the WNBA provides, stating, "without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything." Engelbert also reportedly said that "players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars" for the media rights deal she secured for the league.

Engelbert responded to Collier's statements, expressing that she was "disheartened" by the characterization but reaffirmed her commitment to the players and the league's future.