Aces Take Commanding Lead as Off-Court Drama Clouds WNBA Finals
The Las Vegas Aces defeated the Phoenix Mercury 91–78 in Game 2 of the 2025 WNBA Finals on Sunday. Jackie Young and A’ja Wilson combined for 60 points as Las Vegas comfortably handled Phoenix at home. The Mercury opened the game strong, but Young’s hot shooting made sure they could never close the gap.
Photo Cred: USA Today
Kahleah Copper led Phoenix with 23 points, Satou Sabally added 22, and Alyssa Thomas contributed 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. After a dominant showing by the defending champions, the series now shifts to Phoenix for Game 3 on Wednesday. For the first time in league history, the WNBA Finals is a best-of-seven series. As the higher seed, Las Vegas will host Games 5 and 7 if necessary.
Leadership Issues Overshadow the Finals
The excitement surrounding the Finals has been overshadowed by Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier’s recent criticism of commissioner Cathy Engelbert. On Sept. 30, Collier addressed the media with a prepared statement revealing details from private conversations that, in her view, paint Engelbert as a leader who lacks accountability.
Photo Cred: Andscape
Collier spoke for more than four minutes, touching on topics ranging from Caitlin Clark’s emergence to inconsistent officiating — issues she feels the league’s leadership has ignored.
“We have the best league in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But we have the worst leadership in the world,” the MVP runner-up said. “Year after year, the only thing that remains consistent is the lack of accountability from our leaders.”
Collier claimed that in one private conversation, Engelbert told her WNBA star Caitlin Clark should be grateful for the platform the league provides.
“Her response was, ‘[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.’ And in that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.’”
Tensions between Engelbert and the players have been building all season amid ongoing Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations. Engelbert and WNBPA Executive Director Terri Jackson met this past week to discuss a new CBA. With the October 31 deadline looming, Engelbert has not ruled out the possibility of an extension.
In a press conference on Oct. 3, Engelbert said she was “disheartened” by Collier’s comments but promised to “do better.” She stated that she had already exchanged text messages with Collier and intended to meet with her after the start of the Finals to discuss concerns directly.
“We want to significantly — and I mean significantly — increase player salaries and benefits, while also supporting the long-term growth and viability of the WNBA,” Engelbert said. “I’m confident that we can repair any loss of trust. We want what the players want — significant increases in salaries and benefits — while ensuring the league continues to thrive.”
However, following the press conference, Collier reportedly canceled her planned meeting with Engelbert. According to ESPN, Engelbert’s comments “pretty much pushed the relationship beyond repair.”
Photo Cred: Bleacher Report
As one of the league’s most respected veterans, Collier’s words carry substantial weight. At 29, she’s not only a face of the Lynx franchise but also a co-founder of Unrivaled — a growing 3-on-3 women’s basketball league featuring several WNBA players. Since its debut last year, Unrivaled has positioned itself as an alternative to overseas play during the WNBA offseason — and at times, has been at odds with the league’s leadership. With the Finals heating up on the court and tensions rising off it, the WNBA faces a pivotal stretch — one that could shape both its champion and its future direction.
