Indiana Fever superstar guard Caitlin Clark has thrown her support behind Minnesota Lynx superstar forward Napheesa Collier after the latter condemned WNBA leadership on Tuesday.
Collier’s impassioned statement that called out the WNBA and commissioner Cathy Engelbert in particular drew widespread praise across the league. However, Clark hadn’t yet weighed in, her voice being one of the most important in the WNBA in terms of reach and impact on a wider audience.
She spoke positively about Collier’s remarks and highlighted the importance of the moment during her team’s exit interviews on Thursday.
“I have great respect for Phee, and I think she made a lot of very valid points,” Clark told reporters, per WISH-TV News. “I think, what people need to understand, we need great leadership in this time across all levels. This is straight up the most important moment in this league’s history… This is a moment we have to capitalize on.”
Clark also said she hadn’t yet heard the dismissive anecdote Collier alleged hearing from Engelbert about Clark’s endorsements being only made possible by her status as a WNBA player. She also said she hasn’t heard from Engelbert about the matter.
Clark initially chose not to comment on the alleged Engelbert anecdote, but we imagine from the way she responded that she’s not thrilled about what she heard. Las Vegas Aces superstar A’ja Wilson recently described being “disgusted” to hearing to Engelbert’s alleged comments.
A recent report suggested she may step down after WNBA CBA negotiations have finished, but nothing is confirmed at this time.
