Clark says Collier made 'valid points' about WNBA leadership - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark said Napheesa Collier «made a lot of very valid points» this week when the Minnesota Lynx star ripped WNBA leadership.

Clark added that she has «great respect for Phee» and «Phee said it all.»

«I think what people need to understand, we need great leadership at this time across all levels,» Clark, who missed most of the season with injuries, said Thursday in her first media availability since mid-July. «This is straight-up the most important moment in this league's history. This league's been around for 25-plus years and this is a moment we have to capitalize on.»

Collier claimed on Tuesday that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert told her that Clark «should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything.» Clark said she had not previously heard that story and that she has not heard from Engelbert since Collier's remarks.

Clark didn't directly respond to Engelbert's alleged comment but pointed out that NIL has allowed college players to grow their brands and earn money before they get to the league, such as how she did at Iowa.

Clark was also asked what she would consider great leadership, in the context of players' recent comments saying they're disappointed with what they've seen from the league level.

«It is all about relationships, and that's the truth,» Clark said. «I know that's really hard to say in professional sports, but whether it's a relationship with your front office, whether it's relationship with commissioner of the league, whether it's relationship with your teammates… Why would my teammates want to listen to me if I didn't have a relationship with them? I think it's the most