The WNBA is no stranger to dramatic twists and passionate voices, but this week the league found itself at the center of a storm that’s been brewing for some time. As the Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham took to her "Show Me Something" podcast on October 3, 2025, she pulled no punches in her criticism of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Cunningham’s words echoed the growing frustration among players, highlighting a pivotal moment for the league as it navigates unprecedented attention and scrutiny.
“At the end of the day, everyone’s fed up — fed up with how the league is treating us. They should be ashamed of themselves for what they’re giving back to us because it’s nothing. It is nothing. They’re not listening. The thing is, they’re not even engaging with us. It is bad,” Cunningham said, her voice tinged with a mix of disappointment and determination. She didn’t hold back, adding, “And I get it, she’s the business side of it. Like, I get it. But you can be respectful and treat your product — the product of why people are paying attention, why people are buying certain jerseys — treat your product with respect. Like, be a great leader. She’s not. She’s not in any sense. The disrespect is just crazy to me.”
The timing of Cunningham’s comments is no coincidence. The WNBA is at a crossroads, with millions of new fans tuning in, many drawn by the electrifying play of stars like Caitlin Clark. “I think this is just such a pivotal point in the WNBA because there’s so many eyes on us, there’s so many new fans — there’s millions of millions, I should say, of new fans — and at the end of the day she’s worried about her. In all of her statements it’s like, ‘Well, I got us here and I—,’ Cathy no one cares. Literally, no one cares,” Cunningham continued, laying bare the rift between players and league leadership.
This latest outcry follows pointed remarks from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who alleged that Engelbert had privately said Caitlin Clark should be “grateful” for her off-court earnings because she’d be nothing without the WNBA. The accusation, which quickly made waves on social media and in sports circles, prompted a swift response from the commissioner herself.
Engelbert, addressing the media on October 3, 2025, flatly denied Collier’s claims. “Obviously, I did not make those comments,” she said, according to ESPN.com. “Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game. She’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game.” Engelbert went further, expressing frustration with what she described as a wave of misinformation: “There’s a lot of inaccuracy out there through social media and all this reporting. A lot of reporting, a lot of inaccuracy about what I say, what I didn’t say.”
The tension between players and league officials is nothing new in professional sports, but the WNBA’s situation feels especially acute given the league’s current surge in popularity. With new stars emerging and veteran legends like Diana Taurasi closing out storied careers, the league is in the spotlight like never before.
Speaking of legends, Diana Taurasi’s name remains synonymous with WNBA excellence. Drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in 2004, Taurasi wrapped up her remarkable career in 2024, averaging 14.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game. She retires as the WNBA’s all-time leading scorer, amassing a jaw-dropping 10,646 points.
Taurasi’s career was marked by unforgettable performances against both current and former WNBA franchises. One of her most memorable outings came against the now-defunct Charlotte Sting. The Sting, one of the league’s original teams, played their final season in 2006 before folding in 2007. In her first game against them in 2004, Taurasi tallied 20 points, four rebounds, and two assists. That same season, she exploded for 29 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds in a 71-59 Mercury victory—a performance that stood as her season and career high at the time. Taurasi’s dominance didn’t stop there. In 2006, she notched 27 points in one game and 25 in another against the Sting, cementing her reputation as a force to be reckoned with.
Her scoring prowess wasn’t limited to defunct teams. Taurasi also made history against the Atlanta Dream, pouring in 42 points and reaching the 10,000-point milestone. These feats, coupled with her consistency and leadership, have left an indelible mark on the league and inspired a new generation of players.
But as the WNBA celebrates its stars, both past and present, the league must also reckon with internal discord. ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith has weighed in on the controversy, suggesting that Engelbert should resign as commissioner. While Smith’s opinion is just one among many, it underscores the gravity of the current situation and the magnitude of the players’ grievances.
What’s driving this wave of discontent? At its core, the issue seems to be a disconnect between the league’s leadership and its athletes. Players like Cunningham and Collier feel that their voices aren’t being heard, that the league’s decision-makers are more focused on business metrics than the well-being and respect of those who make the WNBA what it is. The rapid influx of new fans and increased media attention have only heightened expectations—and tensions.
Meanwhile, the next wave of WNBA talent continues to shine. Caitlin Clark, whom Engelbert called “a transformational player,” has captured the imagination of fans and brought unprecedented attention to the league. The stakes have never been higher, and the window for real, meaningful change may be closing fast.
The ongoing dispute raises critical questions about the future of the WNBA. Will the league’s leadership adapt to the demands of its players and fans? Can the commissioner and her critics find common ground, or will the divide grow wider? For now, the back-and-forth shows no signs of slowing down.
As the WNBA navigates this turbulent period, one thing is clear: the passion and commitment of its players, past and present, remains its greatest asset. Whether it’s Taurasi lighting up the scoreboard or Cunningham speaking truth to power, the women of the W are determined to shape the league’s destiny. The eyes of the sports world are watching—and waiting to see what comes next.
With emotions running high and the spotlight shining brighter than ever, the WNBA stands at a crossroads. The next steps taken by both players and leadership will shape the league’s legacy for years to come.
