Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier alleged Tuesday that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told her Caitlin Clark “should be grateful” for the league’s role in helping her land major endorsement deals.
Collier, 29, delivered the remarks in a prepared statement during her season-ending exit interview on Sept. 30. In her speech, she criticized Engelbert, 60, and the league, recounting a private exchange where she raised concerns about the low salaries paid to rising stars such as Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers.
“Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she made $16 million off the court because without the platform the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything,’” Collier told reporters.
The Indiana Fever, Clark’s team, issued a statement to PEOPLE saying Clark “will not