The Aftermath of Napheesa Collier’s Explosive Statement + Aces-Mercury Finals Preview

No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show

The Athletic

October 3, 20251 hr 1 min
Basketball

The Aftermath of Napheesa Collier’s Explosive Statement + Aces-Mercury Finals Preview

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Episode Notes

Zena, Ben, and Sabreena gather to discuss Napheesa Collier’s explosive exit interview statement, examining Phee’s words and the meaning underlying them from nearly every angle — what players really think about WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the power dynamics at play and the NBA’s role behind the scenes, the physicality of the current game and the rise of injuries, the influence of Unrivaled, and the element threaded through all of this: the frustration over ongoing CBA negotiations and the potential of a work stoppage. 


Then, with Ben and Sabreena reporting on the ground in Vegas, the crew weighs in on the storylines to watch as the Aces-Mercury Finals match-up gets underway Friday night. Plus: who might have the edge to win it all?


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References:


Napheesa Collier calls out WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert: ‘Worst leadership in the world’ by Ben Pickman 


Caitlin Clark will not play in Unrivaled this winter: Source by Ben Pickman and Alex Andrejev


WNBA players say CBA negotiations are stalling as deadline nears by Sabreena Merchant


Is the WNBA headed for a work stoppage? The consequences could be grim for the league by Ben Pickman


The Las Vegas Aces heard your doubts. … It fueled their run back to the WNBA Finals by Sabreena Merchant 



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