At this year’s WNBA All-Star Weekend, the spotlight was shared—not only by rising superstar Caitlin Clark but also by veteran forward Napheesa Collier. The two co-captains of opposing All-Star teams led a press conference that turned out to be more than just another media obligation. For Collier, it became an emblematic experience of what it means to share space with one of the most talked-about athletes in sports today.

Clark, despite being sidelined due to injury, brought her characteristic poise and thoughtfulness to the table. From media questions about sponsorships and salary gaps to playful exchanges about trash talk, her responses revealed both maturity and a deepening awareness of her growing platform. But for Collier, the real takeaway wasn’t just Clark’s media savvy—it was the energy in the room and the collective voice that the players shared.

“I think for myself, that was the best part of it—being in the room with over 40 other players,” Collier reflected. “It was powerful. Just having us all in there advocating together—that’s the kind of unity that pushes this league forward.”

Indeed, much of the press conference turned into a discussion not just of basketball, but of the future of the WNBA. Clark didn’t shy away when asked where her league salary stood compared to endorsements from brands like Nike, State Farm, and Gatorade. “That’s one of the things we’re in the room fighting for,” she said. “We should be paid more—and hopefully that’s the case moving forward as the league continues to grow.”

The duo’s back-and-forth banter also offered a refreshing glimpse into the camaraderie among All-Star players. When asked who was the better trash talker, Collier laughed and admitted she wasn’t cut out for it. “I think of it after. I’ll be thinking for days, like, ‘Oh, I should’ve said that.’”

Clark immediately chimed in with a grin: “She’s too nice. We’re Midwestern.”

But beneath the jokes lay serious undertones. Both Clark and Collier discussed how All-Star Weekend had evolved—not just as a showcase of talent but as a critical time to discuss collective bargaining, league expansion, and long-term equity. Collier made it clear that while the influx of new sponsors and brands is exciting, players also expect to benefit from the league’s financial growth. “We just want to make sure we are getting a cut of all this new money that’s coming in,” she said.

Despite the injury keeping Clark off the court, she maintained a positive outlook throughout the weekend. “Sure, I’m disappointed I couldn’t play,” she said. “But I still wanted to be part of everything. It’s important—for me and for the fans.” She acknowledged the emotional rollercoaster of the past week, but said having her teammates, fellow All-Stars, and friends from Iowa around made the setback easier to cope with.

One of the more striking moments came when both captains were asked how they balanced competitiveness with celebration during such a relaxed weekend. “We joke about winning, but at the end of the day, it’s not that serious,” Clark said. “This is supposed to be fun.” Collier agreed: “We were preparing to be on ‘stud butts’—not preparing for the game.”

As All-Star Weekend drew to a close, what lingered wasn’t just flashy dunks or high-scoring games—it was a shared sense of purpose. For Collier, sharing a platform with Clark was emblematic of the league’s passing of the torch. Yet, rather than an older generation stepping aside, what’s happening is more collaborative: young stars are standing alongside veterans to shape the future.

From serious CBA conversations to laughs about late-night outings, the press conference encapsulated the changing spirit of the WNBA—one where star power and collective progress go hand in hand.

“We’re friends. We’re here to have fun, but we’re also here to fight for change,” said Collier. And with voices like hers and Clark’s at the forefront, that change feels more possible than ever.