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WNBA Finals Preview: Which Players NEED to Step Up for Aces, Mercury + Napheesa Collier Just CHANGED the WNBA

·58 min·5 clips

Napheesa Collier accused the WNBA commissioner of telling players to 'get on their knees' thanking her for a media deal.

This episode of "We Need To Talk NOW" previews the WNBA Finals and analyzes Napheesa Collier's explosive public comments about league leadership. Hosts Alicia J., Ashley Nicole Moss, and Erica L. Ayala, all prominent WNBA analysts, provide commentary on these major stories. The hosts begin by congratulating Moss on her new show with Cam Newton, debuting October 15th. They then detail Collier's exit interview allegations against Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, quoting her statement that the WNBA has "the worst leadership in the world." Collier alleged Engelbert told her Caitlin Clark should be grateful for her $60 million off-court earnings due to the WNBA's platform. She also claimed Engelbert said players should "get on their knees" thanking her for the media rights deal and that "only losers complain about officiating." The hosts read Engelbert's response, which stated she was "disheartened by how Napheesa characterized our conversation." The WNBPA issued a statement supporting Collier, saying her words "speak to the feelings and the experiences of many." Ashley Nicole Moss states she "100% believes" Collier's account, arguing she would have to be a world-class actor to fabricate such specific quotes. Erica L. Ayala notes Collier's remarks were a calculated, broader statement about player treatment, not just about her team's playoff loss. The hosts connect Collier's claims to longstanding player grievances about physicality, facilities, and being undervalued by the league office. They discuss how public opinion of Commissioner Engelbert was already low prior to these allegations due to various public missteps. The conversation shifts to previewing the Finals between the Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury. The Mercury reached the Finals after a major roster overhaul, defeating the reigning champion New York Liberty and the Minnesota Lynx. The Aces secured their spot with an overtime Game 5 win over the Indiana Fever, who lost Kelsey Mitchell to a severe muscle issue requiring hospitalization. The hosts praise the Fever's foundational talent and fight despite their injuries. For the Finals, Erica Ayala predicts a physical, low-scoring "bloodbath" that will test both teams' defenses. Key players highlighted include A'ja Wilson, who had over 13 thirty-point games, and Chelsea Gray, whose clutch play was vital for the Aces. For the Mercury, Alyssa Thomas is identified as a "walking triple-double," while Natasha Cloud and Kahleah Copper form a lethal core. The hosts debate whether the series will be decided by star performances or coaching creativity from Becky Hammon and Nate Tibbetts. Ashley Nicole Moss predicts the series will go seven games, with the Mercury winning if it reaches that point, citing their "magical" giant-slaying season. Alicia J. believes if the Aces win, they will do so in five or six games by dominating physically. Erica Ayala also predicts a seven-game series but is personally hesitant to pick against a team with A'ja Wilson. The episode concludes by addressing officiating, noting fines given to Cheryl Reeve ($15,000) and coaches who defended her comments. The tone is conversational, analytical, and passionate, blending news analysis with sports commentary. The hosts express clear support for the players' perspectives while debating on-court matchups. This episode is ideal for WNBA fans seeking deep analysis of the Finals and the major off-court story involving league leadership. Listeners looking for a purely game-focused preview without the political context might find the first segment less relevant.

As heard by us

A brisk WNBA Finals conversation that widens into coaching, roster fit, and injury-driven team building.

WNBA Finals chatter drives the discussion, but the more interesting part is how Alicia J., Ashley Nicole Moss, and Erica L. Ayala use it to talk through where the league is headed.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

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Want a WNBA Finals preview with roster talk and league context?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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