Clark Responds to Collier’s Comments; Bookies Suggest WNBA Commish Will Stay 

• Caitlin Clark responded to Napheesa Collier’s inflammatory statements about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Thursday.
• Clark largely agreed with Collier, saying the points she made were “very valid”.
• Online bookies propose Engelbert won’t resign before the 2025-26 season. 

Caitlin Clark has responded to Napheesa Collier’s call for a change in WNBA leadership. Clark largely agreed with Collier’s points.

But online bookies are suggesting that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert won’t resign from her post before the beginning of next season.

Clark Says This is “The Most Important Moment in this League’s History”

Clark made her remarks at her exit interview after the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs.

Clark said:

"First of all, I have great respect for Phee (Collier). I think she made a lot of very valid points. I think what people need to understand is we need great leadership in this time across all levels. This is straight up the most important moment in this league's history. This is a moment we have to capitalize on. Phee said it all, and I think the points that she made were very valid."

Earlier this week, Collier called out Engelbert for being “tone-deaf” and unwilling to collaborate with the league’s stars. Collier also said that Engelbert said Clark “should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court”, due to being in the WNBA. Collier wants higher pay for young players such as Clark, Angel Reese, and Rookie of the Year Paige Bueckers.

It should be noted that the Women’s National Basketball Players Association and the WNBA are trying to renegotiate their deal, which ends on October 31, 2025. The players want more money, but also an improved revenue sharing plan, and health benefits, among other things. But it seems like a lockout looms as both sides are far apart.

However, the odds are favoring Engelbert staying on with the WNBA.

Engelbert Major Favorite Not to Resign as WNBA Commissioner

Bovada has a prop on whether Engelbert will resign from her job. “No” is a massive favorite at -900, while “Yes” comes back at +500. This prop is for the beginning of the 2025-26 WNBA season, but could be graded differently if there is a lockout. The 2025-26 WNBA season is slated to start in May 2026. Engelbert said in her statement:

It’ll be interesting to see if Engelbert can survive this in the middle of a negotiation. If she did make those statements about Clark, it might not go well for her. The league is setting revenue records since Clark entered the league two years ago, along with other young stars like Reese, Bueckers, and more.

WNBA Finals odds should be the focus right now as Las Vegas gets ready to take on Phoenix. But Clark is correct in that this is a critical point for the WNBA. This negotiation is going to go down to the wire, and it doesn’t look like it’ll get done by Halloween.

This seems like it’ll go well into the winter, and the WNBPA might not be willing to work with Engelbert, which could cost her the job. But it’s definitely something to keep an eye on during the offseason.