The WNBA has seen remarkable growth this season, thanks in large part to rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The pair have entered the league like seasoned veterans. Reese has already broken the WNBA single-season rebound record as well as the record for consecutive double-doubles. Clark is on pace to set the single-season assist record and has already become to first rookie to record a triple-double in league history.
No one understands the impact of these two more than WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert. Unfortunately, the increased attention hasn’t been without its share of negativity.
Some fans have taken things too far online, sending hurtful and disturbing messages in support of, and often attacking Clark and Reese, often with racial undertones.
Engelbert was asked about this in an appearance on CNBC, and her response left a lot to be desired.
“There’s no more apathy. Everybody cares,” she said. “It is a little of that [Larry] Bird-Magic [Johnson] moment if you recall from 1979, when those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one Black. And so we have that moment with these two.
“But one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry. That’s what makes people watch. They want to watch games of consequence between rivals. They don’t want everybody being nice to one another.”
Fans took to social media to weigh in on Engelbert’s lack of a response.
This is such a despicable response from Cathy Engelbert, commissioner of the #WNBA.
She was literally given the perfect opportunity/platform to say literally anything acceptable for the players and coaches and instead chooses to make it about revenue.pic.twitter.com/EQWCCstmQT
— Ahaan Rungta (@AhaanRungta) September 10, 2024
saying "you need rivalry" when one fanbase is being racist, homophobic & harassing a GOOD PORTION of black & queer wnba players is crazy work. @CathyEngelbert ur lame as the place ur gonna end up in 😭 https://t.co/UTb3KkmhRq
— ris (@jckieyoung) September 10, 2024
I’ll tag her when I say this – @CathyEngelbert does not align with the core values of the @WNBA and she needs to go. She clearly is okay with what’s happening and even supports it.
Core fans do not. Cathy needs to step down. https://t.co/IG67SUSNJ8
— Danielle (@dani0jo) September 10, 2024
The WNPBA has released a statement on the comments of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/VuzGBTWZ4Z
— Women’s Hoops Network (@WomensHoops_USA) September 11, 2024
Cathy Engelbert should be ashamed of that answer she gave but that would require her to acknowledge she made a mistake but that answer was deliberate TO ME & sent quite a clear message to the players and what they go through.
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) September 10, 2024
Engelbert responded online after the criticisms.
During a recent media interview, I was asked about the dark side of social media and online conversation about WNBA rivalries and race. To be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.
— Cathy Engelbert (@CathyEngelbert) September 11, 2024
It’ll be interesting to see if there are any consequences for Engelbert as the league reaches unprecedented heights.
About Qwame Skinner
Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.