Unrivaled founder Napheesa Collier claps back at critic who pointed out conflict of interest with her position in WNBPA

Napheesa Collier wasted no time in shutting down a social media user's claim that being part of the WNBPA's leadership was a conflict of interest for her and Breanna Stewart, since they also co-founded the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league.

Last year, the WNBPA preemptively opted out of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which is set to expire at the end of this season. While negotiations were heading in the right direction, according to WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike, a deal hasn't been reached yet.

If the WNBPA and the WNBA are unable to agree on terms for a new CBA, the league could be headed to a lockout. Considering Unrivaled has emerged as a potential competitor to the WNBA, the social media user questioned Collier and Stewart's leadership roles.

Despite the U.S. holiday weekend, the Lynx star wasted no time firing back on X on Saturday.

"So let me get this straight…. While everyone else was enjoying fireworks, you were thinking about how me and & Stewie of all people are conspiring to force a lockout that would result in less money year-round for WNBA players??"

Expand Tweet

Looking at the latest surrounding the WNBA's CBA negotiations amid Napheesa Collier's viral clapback

Last month, WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike indicated that the CBA negotiations were headed in the right direction.

This week, however, the players reportedly rejected the league's initial proposal.

According to Satou Sabally, who spoke with members of the press this week in Phoenix, the league's initial offer was a "slap in the face".

Expand Tweet

Breanna Stewart piggybacked on the comments while speaking with Owen Pence, indicating that the players expected better.

"Absolutely frustrated. Anytime you go back-and-forth, you're not expecting to hear that 'yes' on the first [proposal], but you're expecting to have a conversation. They kind of just ignored everything we said."

Atop the players' list of demands is a revenue share plan on par with the NBA's system.

One of the problems with this, however, is that the WNBA doesn't own 100% of the league.

Instead, as FrontOfficeSports explained, 30 NBA team owners own 42% of the WNBA, while 42% is owned by the WNBA owners. The other 16% is owned by an investment group.

Once the season ends, if there isn't headway in negotiations, we could see the league's first lockout.

About the author

Evan Bell is a journalist specializing in the NBA and NHL at Sportskeeda, whose love for the game stems from a childhood spent watching the Chicago Bulls. He has been there through their highs and lows, from the Jordan era to the exciting Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah years.

Evan finds the 82-game season and the intensity of playoff basketball exhilarating, and he also revels in the offseason drama. Phil Jackson stands out as his favorite coach, whom he admires for his composed leadership and success in managing dynamic personalities like Dennis Rodman.

To deliver top-quality content, Evan fact-checks information while diligently keeping up with the action year-round.

When he's not writing, Evan follows tennis and Greek football, and also plays basketball and tennis.

Know More

Edited by Evan Bell