Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) looks on against the Golden State Valkyries in the second half during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
Sep 14, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier (24) looks on against the Golden State Valkyries in the second half during game one of round one for the 2025 WNBA Playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
WNBA Fans Level ‘Nasty’ Conflict-of-Interest Allegations Against Napheesa Collier Over Strong WNBA CBA Statement as Deadline Looms
WNBA fans were not happy with Napheesa Collier’s comments regarding the league’s stance on the WNBPA’s demands amid negotiations for a new CBA. The negotiations have reached a stalemate with both sides unwilling to give ground as the Jan. 9 deadline approaches.
While speaking at an Unrivaled game on Monday, Collier did not mince her words while discussing the WNBA’s argument against the players’ demands.
“Well, our [CBA] deadline is coming up right now, in a couple of days. And I think you’ve heard a lot of chatter about what we’re asking for is not sustainable for the business. And being on this side, with Unrivaled, I know what it takes to run a sustainable business.”
She continued, suggesting a change in the WNBA’s leadership:
“So I think if they can’t find a model that makes that happen, they need to put people in place who can,” Collier said. “Because we’ve proven that it is possible. There is a way. And we’re thriving in that.”
Napheesa Collier with another strong WNBA CBA statement on the Unrivaled broadcast
“Being on this side with Unrivaled, I know what it takes to run a sustainable business. So I think if they can’t find a model that makes that happen they need to put people in place who can.” pic.twitter.com/gl0tFcGWQk
Fans on social media did not take Collier’s comments well, alleging that there is a conflict of interest with her involvement due to her prominent positions in both the Unrivaled league and the WNBPA. Here are the most noteworthy reactions on X:
“You know the WNBA is pathetic because this could never happen with any other professional league in the world. especially at the highest level. DIRECT competition and conflict of interest? 😂😂,” one fan wrote.
“1) yeah, wnba players deserve to be paid fairly. 2) the wnba and unrivaled are not remotely the same,” Another fan said.
“Maybe I’m crazy, but this comes off as crazy unprofessional.” A fan opined.
“How is this not a conflict of interest…” a fan asked.
“Shes always throwing shade at the W & praising her own league. This wouldn’t be allowed in any other league,” another fan commented.
Continuing her statement at Unrivaled’s slate of games from Monday, Napheesa Collier made the players’ stance clear, saying that they will not accept “less” as the CBA negotiations deadline approaches:
“I do think a deal is gonna get done,” Collier said. “But we’re standing firm in what we believe in, we’re not gonna back down, and we can’t take less. The sport has grown too much; it would be a disservice to the people who came before us, to the work that we’ve put in, to take less than what we’re owed.”
As said by Collier and echoed by the WNBA’s players over the last few months, it seems they will not be bending to the WNBA’s latest offer made on Dec. 18.
