Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier has addressed accusations regarding her involvement in a potential WNBA lockout amid collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations. As co-founder of Unrivaled and Vice President of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), Collier’s roles have sparked concerns over possible conflicts of interest during talks with the WNBA.
Critics have suggested that a breakdown in CBA negotiations could benefit Unrivaled, the organization Collier co-founded with New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, by providing players alternative income opportunities. However, Collier denied any rivalry between Unrivaled and the WNBA during a recent press conference, emphasizing collaboration rather than competition.
Clarifying the Relationship Between Unrivaled and the WNBA
Collier highlighted the cooperative nature of both organizations, stating they support one another rather than compete. She explained that their seasons do not overlap and success in the WNBA translates to success for Unrivaled players, creating a mutually beneficial environment. Collier said,
“There’s no like rivalry. We support one another,” Collier said. “I think both of us lift each other up. You know, we’re not in competing seasons, we’re in opposite seasons and the W success is Unrivaled success and vice versa.”
She further detailed that Unrivaled’s purpose is to enhance player earnings and brand visibility during the WNBA offseason. Addressing the rivalry claims, Collier remarked,
“We’re trying to get players paid,” Collier continued. “We’re trying to grow players brands keep them relevant in the offseason. … I don’t know where that like rivalry narrative comes from because all we try to do is lift players up. We’ve never said we’re in competition with the W.”
Support from WNBPA Leadership and Recent Performance Highlights
On the following day, WNBPA Executive Director Terri Carmichael-Jackson publicly supported Collier and Stewart in their dual leadership roles, noting that their involvement aids valuable insight into revenue streams, broadcasting, and league structure. This endorsement counters claims that their positions present conflicts during negotiations.
On the court, Collier led the Minnesota Lynx to a victory against the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday, contributing significantly with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the 91-82 win.
Direct Response to Social Media Criticism
Collier also responded firmly to a fan’s claim on X (formerly Twitter) that questioned the integrity of her efforts as WNBPA Vice President and Unrivaled co-founder. The fan insinuated collusion to force a lockout detrimental to players’ income, which Collier strongly refuted.
“So let me get this straight….” Napheesa Collier tweeted. “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??”
Players in the WNBA are actively advocating for a larger share of league revenue, intensifying the ongoing CBA talks. The current agreement from 2019 is set to terminate after the 2025 season, following an opt-out decision in October 2024.
The clarity provided by Collier, along with support from WNBPA leadership, aims to dispel misconceptions surrounding her multiple roles, underlining a united approach to improving conditions and pay for all players rather than fostering division.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Are Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart friends?
A. This is a tough competition against Napheesa Collier, who is a good friend and used to play with her at UConn. They won NCAA championships and represented the USA Women’s National Team together.
Q. Who is Napheesa Collier’s agent?
A. Erin Kane, an agent for women’s basketball with Excel Sports, represents players like Napheesa Collier, Arike Ogunbowale, NaLyssa Smith, and Maddy Siegrist.
Q. What is Napheesa Collier’s nationality?
A. Napheesa Collier, also known as “Phee,” plays professional basketball in the WNBA. She was born on September 23, 1996, and is part of the Minnesota Lynx team.
Q. Is Napheesa Collier a mom?
A. Collier missed most of the 2022 season because she was on maternity leave after having her daughter in May 2022.