WNBA Commissioner Addresses Controversial Comments

WNBA Commissioner Kathy Engelbert found herself in the spotlight after comments attributed to her by player Nafisa Collier regarding Caitlin Clark. Engelbert highlighted the importance of the platform that the WNBA has provided to players, noting that Clark’s successful earnings, approximately $16 million, stemmed from it.

During a press conference on Friday, Engelbert firmly denied making those remarks. “I didn’t say that,” she asserted. “Caitlin is a transformative player for this league and has brought in millions of new fans.” Yet, Collier suggested that Engelbert’s comments implied otherwise.

Engelbert pointed out that there have been considerable “inaccuracies” in media reports about these alleged comments. While she didn’t explicitly deny the remarks attributed to her, she expressed frustration with the misinformation being shared. “There’s a lot of ignorance around what I say, things I didn’t actually say,” she commented.

Engelbert openly shared her disappointment, saying, “I’m human too. I have a family, and my kids are affected by this. It’s been a tough week.”

Despite her denial, Engelbert acknowledged the need for improvement if players feel undervalued. “If the players don’t feel appreciated by the league, then we absolutely have to do better,” she admitted.

The WNBA and its players’ union, WNBPA, are currently in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement. Although an agreement was reached in 2020 that lasts eight years, the WNBPA opted out early last year. The existing contract is set to expire on October 31st.