Unrivaled co-founder and Girls’s Nationwide Basketball Gamers Affiliation vice chairman Napheesa Collier took to social media Saturday afternoon to defend her function in each leagues after an accusation that she and Breanna Stewart have a battle of curiosity went viral.
“So let me get this straight…. Whereas everybody else was having fun with fireworks, you have been eager about how me and & Stewie of all persons are conspiring to drive a lockout that might end in much less cash year-round for WNBA gamers??” Collier’s put up on X learn.
The put up she responded to prompt that Collier and Stewart, who can be a co-founder of Unrivaled and is a vice chairman of the WNBPA, couldn’t negotiate the upcoming CBA in “good religion” due to the monetary advantages they might obtain if the WNBA have been to enter a lockout.
So let me get this straight….
Whereas everybody else was having fun with fireworks, you have been eager about how me and & Stewie of all persons are conspiring to drive a lockout that might end in much less cash year-round for WNBA gamers?????? https://t.co/jOiF5TRiAB
— napheesa collier (@PHEEsespieces) July 5, 2025
In March, Collier instructed CBS Sports activities’ “We Want To Discuss Now” that “nobody needs” a lockout, however the gamers are “ready for any chance proper now.”
Lately, a number of gamers, together with Stewart, have mentioned negotiations haven’t gone how they wished.
“Completely annoyed,” Stewart instructed reporters after a shootaround on July 3. “Anytime you trip, you are not anticipating to listen to that ‘sure’ on the primary [proposal], however you are anticipating to have a dialog. They form of simply ignored every part we mentioned.”
Collier and Stewart instructed ESPN that their work for Unrivaled and the WNBPA doesn’t create a battle of curiosity however as an alternative helps spotlight areas that want enchancment.
“[It’s not a conflict] but,” Stewart instructed ESPN. “I feel it is just a bit bit totally different. The issues we are able to take from Unrivaled are the TV deal and the way large and unbelievable that was, but additionally the numbers behind it, like having three video games per week. Folks have been consistently listening to it. … Whether or not it is Phee or me or another person at Unrivaled, we perceive that is the usual now. That is what we count on after we come again to the W.”
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At Unrivaled, gamers have been paid a mean wage of $220,000, offered childcare and a multiyear tv cope with Turner. Gamers additionally bought fairness within the league.
They have been adamant that they didn’t time the launch of Unrivaled, which started in January, to coincide with CBA negotiations.
“The fantastic thing about being within the gamers’ affiliation, we’re right here for what’s greatest for the gamers. And Unrivaled is what’s greatest for the gamers. … Even not directly, not simply the gamers which might be enjoying for us, we’re serving to out all gamers,” Collier instructed ESPN in Could. “That’s the level of the gamers’ affiliation. So we truly assist. It is not a juggling act, it is truly complementary.”
She continued: “I actually do not even perceive that viewpoint [of a conflict]. As a result of once more, though we solely make use of a certain quantity of gamers, we have an effect on the entire gamers. I really feel prefer it’s a bonus greater than a battle of curiosity. I do not even know what the battle can be. We’re making everybody more cash.”