A'ja Wilson has added her voice to the growing chorus of WNBA stars speaking out against league commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
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The Las Vegas Aces star made pointed remarks Tuesday night after leading her team past the Indiana Fever in overtime to clinch a spot in the WNBA Finals.
Wilson used her postgame press conference to back Minnesota Lynx standout Napheesa Collier, who earlier in the day ripped Engelbert over comments involving rookie pay and Caitlin Clark.
"I had an opportunity to listen to [Napheesa Collier], and I just want to say I was honestly disgusted by the comments Cathy made," Wilson said. "But at the same time, I'm very appreciative that we have people like Phee in our Players Association representing us, because that's where we're going to have to continue to make the push to stand on what we believe in. I'll ride with Phee always. We've got to continue to stand on business as we talk about this CBA negotiation."
Collier said she confronted Engelbert in February about how the league planned to fix rookie pay for stars like Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers, who are driving massive ratings and ticket sales while earning base salaries under $80,000. According to Collier, Engelbert replied that Clark "should be grateful" for off-court earnings made possible by the WNBA and that without the league she "wouldn't make anything."
Clark has already been a central figure in league economics, regularly setting attendance records and boosting TV ratings to historic highs. She has previously criticized Engelbert over pay issues. Many have pointed out that Clark secured major endorsement deals well before she entered the league.
Engelbert has faced mounting criticism and could soon be out after six seasons. The CBA expires Oct. 31, 2025, setting the stage for a showdown that will likely revolve around Clark's impact.
