Napheesa Collier quickly refuted allegations from a social media user suggesting that her role in the WNBPA leadership presents a conflict of interest due to her co-founding the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league alongside Breanna Stewart. This dispute comes as ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations between the WNBPA and the WNBA remain unresolved and could lead to a lockout after this season. The controversy around Collier’s leadership arises from concerns that the Unrivaled league might compete with the WNBA.
Despite the U.S. holiday weekend, Collier publicly dismissed the accusations in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, where she questioned the logic behind the claims:
“So let me get this straight…. While everyone else was enjoying fireworks, you were thinking about how me and & Stewie of all people are conspiring to force a lockout that would result in less money year-round for WNBA players??” —Napheesa Collier, WNBA player
Current Status of WNBA Collective Bargaining Agreement Negotiations
Last month, WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike expressed optimism that the talks regarding the CBA were progressing well. However, the mood soured this week when players reportedly rejected the WNBA’s initial offer. Satou Sabally, speaking to the press in Phoenix, described the league’s opening proposal as a “slap in the face,” signaling deep dissatisfaction among players.
Breanna Stewart echoed this frustration during a conversation with Owen Pence, emphasizing the need for more meaningful dialogue in negotiations:
“Absolutely frustrated. Anytime you go back-and-forth, you’re not expecting to hear that ‘yes’ on the first [proposal], but you’re expecting to have a conversation. They kind of just ignored everything we said.” —Breanna Stewart, WNBA player
Among the players‘ primary goals is achieving a revenue-sharing plan comparable to the NBA’s. However, this goal faces complications because the WNBA does not have full ownership over itself. According to reports, 30 NBA team owners control 42% of the WNBA, WNBA owners hold another 42%, and the remaining 16% belongs to an investment group.
Potential Consequences if Contract Talks Collapse
If the WNBPA and the league are unable to finalize a new Collective Bargaining Agreement before the current deal expires, a lockout could become a reality for the first time in WNBA history. This scenario would stall the season and potentially cause financial hardship for players, which makes the ongoing negotiations critical for their professional future. The leadership roles of Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart, while under scrutiny, remain central to advocating for player rights amid this tense period.
As the deadline approaches and talks continue, the outcome of the CBA discussions will significantly impact the league’s stability, player relations, and the broader landscape of women’s professional basketball.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much is Napheesa Collier paid?
A. Contract Extension from 2022-2025: Napheesa Collier agreed to a three-year deal with the Minnesota Lynx worth $552,516 in total. Her average yearly salary is $184,172. In 2025, Collier’s base pay will be $214,284, which will also be her salary cap responsibility.
Q. Who is Napheesa Collier’s agent?
A. Erin Kane, a sports agent with Excel Sports, manages women basketball players like Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale, NaLyssa Smith, and Maddy Siegrist.
Q. How much does Napheesa Collier get paid?
A. Based on information from Spotrac, Collier has made $696,798 in salary since she began her WNBA career as the sixth overall pick in 2019. By the end of this season, her earnings are expected to exceed $860,000. In May 2022, Collier agreed to a three-year extension worth $552,516 in total, with an average yearly salary of $184,172.
Q. What is Napheesa Collier’s nationality?
A. Napheesa Collier, born on September 23, 1996, is an American professional basketball player. She plays for the Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA and is also known by her nickname “Phee.”