WNBA Commissioner’s Bizarre Response to Caitlin Clark Critique Has Fans Fuming – “Guilty as Charged”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has long been accused of not giving Caitlin Clark the appreciation for bringing growth to the league.

WNBA Commissioner’s Bizarre Response to Caitlin Clark Critique Has Fans Fuming – “Guilty as Charged”

Caitlin Clark and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (Image via FirstSportz)

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WNBA fans and most of the media know and credit Caitlin Clark for bringing transformational change to the league after it struggled with declining attendance and viewership before she arrived.

Along with her, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers have also contributed, and the collective might of the rookie classes of 2024 and 2025 has helped the league grow exponentially in terms of fan following, market reach, and subsequently revenue.

Even though some players have revealed their pettiness towards the Indiana Fever superstar due to her massive endorsement deals, others have been supportive.

At the same time, many fans have called on the league to take a stance on the extreme physical play that many have subjected Clark to. However, that never came, and some questioned why Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was not giving the Fever guard her props.

It came to a boiling point after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier dropped a bombshell a few days ago. The forward revealed what Engelbert told her in private at the Lynx’s exit interview:

Her response was, ‘Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court. Because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn’t make anything.’ And in that same conversation, she told me, ‘Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them.’

Napheesa Collier revealed

This kicked off a storm, forcing Cathy Engelbert to take to the podium a short while before the 2025 WNBA Finals. While trying to address those allegations, she was asked if she had made those comments about Caitlin Clark.

Obviously I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game She’s brought tens of millions of fans to the game.

Cathy Engelbert replied

This was her response after twice deflecting earlier questions from journalists about those comments she made to Napheesa Collier. She first started to say that there were inaccuracies with the Lynx star’s revelation, and then finally denied that she said that.

Fans flame Cathy Engelbert for deflecting comments about Caitlin Clark and other accusations

Fans noticed that Cathy Engelbert first tried to twist her answers to avoid answering questions about her comments about Caitlin Clark. They also noticed that she was not forthcoming when asked if she said that players should be on their knees to thank the WNBA for the opportunity.

They also noticed that only after ESPN reporters Malika Andrews and Alexa Philippou placed consistent pressure did the Commissioner bend and gaslight Clark. Fans believe this was proof that she actually did not deny what she said.

Rather, she was trying her best to answer questions diplomatically after the furor it caused over the past few days. She did not specifically say that Napheesa Collier was lying, while also not admitting that she said those words.

Fans believe Engelbert’s stance is proof that the WNBA is struggling to take advantage of the momentum that they are enjoying. After her comments, fans believe it is time for Engelbert to step down. Check out examples of those reactions below.

This press conference stance comes after Cathy Engelbert released a statement, deftly avoiding directly addressing Collier’s comments. Fans believe it is time for a new regime to lead the WNBA into its new era.

Caitlin Clark stands by Napheesa Collier’s revelations

After Napheesa Collier initially revealed what Cathy Engelbert told her in private, many wondered if Caitlin Clark knew about those comments before the Lynx’s exit interview.

Caitlin Clark agreed WNBA needs better leaders
Caitlin Clark agreed WNBA needs better leaders (Image via Chris/X)

When it was the 23-year-old‘s time for her exit interview after the Fever were booted out of the 2nd round, Alexa Philippou asked if Clark had an opinion on Collier’s comments.

I have great respect for Phee, and I think she made a lot of valid points. What people need to understand, we need great leadership in this time across all levels. This is straight-up the most important moment in this league’s history… Phee said it all.

Caitlin Clark replied

The Fever star also added that the most successful forms of sports, or corporate America, have come when great leaders built great relationships with everyone involved.

This comment might suggest that Cathy Engelbert has not had a good enough relationship with Clark. Her agreement with Collier’s comments indicates the point guard might not be appreciating the way things are going on in the WNBA.

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