Part 9/11:
The Motive Question: Long-term Sustainability vs. Personal Gains
A core issue underlying the dispute is the question of motives. Engelbert’s defenders posit that she’s working tirelessly to keep the league afloat, fighting against unrealistic demands that could doom the league’s future. Conversely, critics argue that she has historically compromised by giving in to player demands, leading to escalating expectations.
On the other side, Collier and her allies are accused of prioritizing immediate riches or personal interests—such as launching rival leagues during the waning days of the current WNBA contracts—raising suspicions about their true intentions. The question becomes: Are these players fighting for the league’s future or for their own financial gains?