The fallout from Napheesa Collier’s scathing remarks about WNBA leadership has shaken the league to its core. But the firestorm didn’t end with her comments.

In fact, it was only the beginning. Big media voices — most notably ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Barstool founder Dave Portnoy — have now unleashed brutal criticism on Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA, amplifying the pressure that has already pushed the league into crisis mode.

Stephen A. Smith wasted no time in taking the conversation mainstream. On First Take, he said point-blank that Engelbert “has lost the locker room” and “doesn’t command respect from the players.

” For a commissioner already reeling from Collier’s blast, hearing one of the most influential voices in sports media openly call her credibility into question was devastating. Smith went further, arguing that the WNBA’s leadership had “fumbled the bag” at a time when the league is finally breaking into mainstream awareness thanks to Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston, and Angel Reese.

Dave Portnoy, never one to hold back, hammered Engelbert and the league even harder. In a viral rant, Portnoy accused the WNBA of “rigging the product” through inconsistent officiating and “forcing narratives” rather than letting players earn their spotlight naturally.

He said Collier’s words were “the most honest thing anyone in the WNBA has said in years” and blasted the commissioner for allegedly pandering to certain stars while ignoring others. Whether you love or hate Portnoy, his massive online platform gave Collier’s criticism an even bigger stage — and sparked thousands of fans to pile on with their own frustrations about Engelbert’s leadership.

This media backlash has intensified an already fragile moment for the WNBA. Players like Sophie Cunningham and Lexie Hull have quietly echoed Collier’s concerns, while fans have long complained about the league’s selective promotion and questionable officiating.

What was once brushed off as internet noise has now become a full-blown movement — with mainstream commentators validating the grievances.

The timing couldn’t be worse for Engelbert. The WNBA has never had more star power, media attention, or fan engagement than it does right now. Caitlin Clark’s rookie season broke records across the board, Aliyah Boston is blossoming into a generational big, and Angel Reese has become a cultural icon. Yet instead of celebrating, the league is drowning in controversy — and the commissioner is at the center of it all.

Stephen A.’s take struck a chord because it put the focus on accountability. He argued that if Engelbert can’t unite players, fans, and owners in this pivotal moment, she’s not the right person to lead the league forward. Portnoy’s angle was more chaotic but resonated with younger fans who see the WNBA as overly political and mismanaged. Together, their criticisms created a rare overlap of sports media and internet culture, both aligning against the commissioner.

Engelbert’s response so far has been muted, issuing only a short statement reaffirming her commitment to the league and its players. But critics say silence isn’t enough. They want action: officiating reform, transparency, and a fairer approach to marketing all players, not just a select few. Without bold moves, it’s hard to see how she survives the growing revolt.

For the first time in years, the conversation surrounding the WNBA isn’t just about basketball — it’s about whether the league’s leadership can handle its moment in the spotlight. With Stephen A. and Portnoy fanning the flames, Engelbert’s job may be closer to slipping away than ever before.