WNBA star Napheesa Collier fires back at lockout conspiracy theory

Shot-blocker Napheesa Collier swatted away an accusation of bias.

Responding to a post that questioned whether she and Liberty star Breanna Stewart can negotiate in good faith a new collective bargaining agreement with the WNBA on behalf of the Players Association, Collier rejected the notion that her vested interest in the Unrivaled league presents a conflict of interest.

“So let me get this straight…. While everyone else was enjoying fireworks, you were thinking about how me and & Stewie of all people are conspiring to force a lockout that would result in less money year-round for WNBA players??” Collier wrote on X.

The sarcastic Collier added the face with a monocle emoji — used to convey skepticism — and three laughing emojis.

The X user who raised the issue — a self-described Indiana Fever and Caitlin Clark fan — pointed out that Collier and Stewart have positions of power in the WNBA union (co-vice presidents) but also are the co-founders of a 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.

The thought is that Unrivaled would stand to gain popularity and revenue if the WNBA went into a work stoppage after its current CBA expires when the season ends. Women’s basketball has never been more popular, and there would be a void to fill.

Collier, the Lynx star, told CBS Sports as far back as March that “no one wants” a lockout but the players are “prepared for any possibility.”

But tensions are starting to boil as the season progresses and the WNBA and the union remain far apart in negotiations. Stewart said after Saturday’s shootaround for the Liberty that the league’s response to the union’s initial proposal was “pretty polar opposite.”

“That was the hardest part,” Stewart said. “It’s like, we’re not even talking about the same thing right now. We’re talking about X’s and O’s at this point and completely different sides of the game.” 

The second season of Unrivaled is expected to begin in January 2026.

The fate of WNBA labor peace will be clearer by then.

“From the players’ perspective, it’s hard to be able to navigate this during the middle of the season, but also we know how important it is and really getting it done before the end of October and we’re making that effort to be able to do both,” Stewart said. “The fact that it’s been a little bit slow to start is tough, but hopeful things will ramp up now after getting their proposal back. We have a big meeting in Indy at All-Star and it’s gonna be spicy.”