This is one outlet's own report from Newsweek — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
A'ja Wilson Says WNBA Players Are the League's True Leaders
0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been facing a lot of criticism across the last year. With her contract set to expire after the 2026 season, it is likely Engelbert could be replaced in the near future.
During WNBA All-Star Weekend, veteran A'ja Wilson told reporters she does not have a strong relationship with Engelbert. She also said she believes building a strong connection between players and front-office leadership is important.
"My only relationship with Cathy is when she hands me awards, which is great. I love to see her, but I think when it comes to leadership, I’m always big on bonds. I’m always big on connection on a deeper level," Wilson said. "And I think that’s what we all try to look for when it comes to a leader, when we’re on our teams, when we’re coming to the business table. It’s a partnership, and it should go hand in hand.”
Multiple players have spoken out against the league's leadership in the past year.
At the end of last season, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier said the WNBA has the "worst leadership in the world." And earlier this month, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas publicly called out the league for failing to protect her and other players from severe online abuse after she received death threats for a foul she committed against Caitlin Clark.
Amid calls for Engelbert to be replaced, Wilson said the WNBA's true leaders are the players.
"it's really just on us," Wilson said. "Obviously, I love to have great leadership but it's really us. We're the true leaders. This league goes the way that we go, so we can continue to show up and be the great product that we are. That's how we're going to continue to grow the game."
The players contributed to securing a new collective bargaining agreement in March. But most importantly, the players are the ones that draw in the league's loyal viewership.
The WNBA has grown tremendously over the past few years and recently approved three more expansion teams in Cleveland , Detroit and Philadelphia . That growth would not have been possible without the players' contributions.
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.
