Players back Collier in ripping WNBA, calling for change - ESPN

LAS VEGAS — A host of WNBA players leaguewide showed support for Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier after she ripped WNBA leadership in her exit interview Tuesday.

«I think I agree with everything [Collier] said,» said Lexie Hull, the Fever's alternate player rep for the WNBPA, prior to Indiana's winner-take-all Game 5 semifinal matchup against the Las Vegas Aces. «We're at a really important time in the league and changes need to be made, and so you're seeing her talk about that, and really proud of her for making that statement today.»

Collier shook the sports world on Tuesday when she accused league commissioner Cathy Engelbert of being «negligent» in her governance.

«We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world,» Collier said in her lengthy remarks, «but right now we have the worst leadership in the world.»

Collier came in second in MVP voting this year. In addition to serving as a vice president of the WNBPA, she and Breanna Stewart co-founded and launched Unrivaled last year, a 3-on-3 women's basketball league that operates during the WNBA offseason.

«Napheesa Collier is an outstanding leader and Officer of this Union,» the WNBPA said in a statement. «When Phee speaks, people listen. We are confident that her words today speak to the feelings and experiences of many, if not most or all of our members. The leaders of the league and its teams would benefit from listening to her powerful statement. The players know their value even if the league does not. They are fighting for their legacy and the future of basketball.»

Added Fever coach Stephanie White, a former WNBA player and longtime coach in the league: «I have a lot of respect for Phee… I'm thankful that we have strong women that