Reactions to Recent Comments About the WNBA

On “The Big Weekend Show,” Fox News host Brian Kilmeade discussed the situation surrounding Caitlin Clark since she joined the WNBA, particularly how the league, under Commissioner Kathy Engelbert, has addressed it.

Recent social media posts reviving earlier comments about Engelbert and superstar Kate Linklark highlighted this discussion. During a CNBC interview, Engelbert mentioned that Clark should be grateful for the $16 million she earned off the court, which sparked controversy.

At a press conference, Engelbert denied those allegations. However, her comments during an April 2024 CNBC Changemaker Summit seemed to revisit similar ideas.

Clark’s value has been a hot topic, especially since she was the first pick in the recent draft by the Indiana Fever. The rookie’s base salary for the year is a modest $76,535, even as she prepped for an eight-year, $28 million contract she signed in April 2024.

After Nafisa Collier accused Engelbert of saying Clark “don’t thank you” and that she would “make nothing” without the WNBA, there was significant backlash from various corners, including fans and players alike. Collier claimed Engelbert suggested players should express gratitude for the media rights deal, stirring further discontent.

In response to the uproar, Engelbert reiterated that she did not make those specific comments but acknowledged the transformative impact Clark has had on the league, claiming she attracted millions of new fans. Yet, Engelbert stopped short of specifically refuting other claims about players being “on their knees” in gratitude.

She mentioned that there are a lot of inaccuracies circulating in the media and social platforms regarding what she actually said. Engelbert expressed her disappointment, stating, “I’m human too… I think there are a lot of invalidations out there.”

As for the future, Engelbert acknowledged the pressing need for improvement and that if players feel undervalued, the league must do better. “If the players don’t feel appreciated, we have to step up our efforts,” she stated, heavily implying that changes are necessary.

The WNBA is currently in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. The existing contract, established in 2020, is set to expire in October, with the WNBPA having opted out early last year.