Ahead of the decisive WNBA series between the Aces and Mercury, following Las Vegas’ 89-86 win in Game 1 of the Finals, league commissioner Kathy Engelbert addressed management’s criticisms and outlined planned changes aimed at addressing concerns raised in recent days.
She also took the opportunity to refute a number of pointed quotes attributed to her this week.
“I am disappointed to hear that some players feel that the league, and me personally, don’t care about them or listen to them. And if players in W don’t feel that they are valued and respected by the league, then we have to do more, and I need to do more.”
– Kathy Engelbert
“No one should doubt how much I care about this league, this game, and every player who makes the WNBA what it is.”
– Kathy Engelbert
“We value feedback, we listen to criticism, we remain engaged in difficult, but necessary conversations that ultimately make us all stronger and better.”
– Kathy Engelbert
The League’s Plans for Reform and the Future of Governance
On Friday during a press conference in Las Vegas, Engelbert confirmed that the league intends to create a new working group involving players and other stakeholders to ensure officiating evolves in step with the league’s growth and to guarantee player safety and exciting competition.
The Minnesota star Napheesa Collier after the season also voiced criticism of the league’s leadership, pointing to issues related to officiating and game management. She said that currently “the worst leadership in the world.”
In the context of the latest talks on the WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement with the players, which is approaching the end of the month, negotiations are ongoing with proposals and consultations to avoid a shutdown and ensure the league’s steady forward movement.
Also, Collier raised the issue of the pay gap between veterans and rookies, which had been the subject of discussion in February during a meeting with Engelbert and discussions of the financial aspects tied to media rights and their value for players.
Game 2 of the Finals is scheduled for Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
Jill Martin of CNN joined the coverage of the events.