WNBA Commissioner Dodges Accountability Questions While Vowing Crackdown

Clear Facts

• WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert refused to directly answer whether she expects to remain commissioner through 2027 amid growing criticism
• Engelbert avoided questions about transparency in league investigations and did not address GOP lawmakers’ letter pressing for accountability regarding physical treatment of Caitlin Clark
• The commissioner announced implementation of a full replay center beginning in 2027 during her All-Star press conference

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert opened her All-Star game press conference by addressing what she characterized as harassment against players, promising “next steps” to address “every aspect” of player experience on and off the court. But when faced with pointed questions about her own leadership and the league’s handling of recent controversies, Engelbert repeatedly dodged accountability.

“The racism, the misogyny, the homophobia, the harassment, and threats directed to our players has no place in sport or anywhere else,” Engelbert said, claiming the issues have intensified recently but existed since “the moment I walked in the door.”

“There’s more work to do and we need to make sure we’re doing it.”

The commissioner’s remarks come amid escalating controversy over the treatment of rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas punched Clark in the throat during a June 24 game, sparking outrage among fans who questioned whether the league was adequately protecting its most popular player. Other incidents have raised concerns about both on-court violence and online harassment directed at various players.

When directly asked if she expects to be commissioner at the start of the 2027 season, Engelbert conspicuously failed to give a yes or no answer.

“I’m so blessed to be at the helm of this league during this incredible hyper-growth period… I will just continue to just do my job, execute the strategy because it has been working,” she said.

Critics have increasingly called for Engelbert’s removal over her handling of the league’s controversies this season and in recent years. Her evasive response only fueled further speculation about her future with the organization.

When asked about player security measures, Engelbert pivoted to complaining about what she called “keyboard warriors.”

“Someone gave me this term, ‘keyboard warriors,’ they’re very very adamant to get their messages through to our players, whether it’s through DMs, whether it’s through other means. So, again, we’re gonna try to attack it and we’re gonna communicate a lot more with the players on that,” she said.

The commissioner also sidestepped a question about making investigations into fines and suspensions more transparent, offering no clear commitment while repeatedly falling back on the phrase “we have processes.”

Notably absent from the press conference were questions about several major controversies. Reporters failed to ask Engelbert about a recent USA Today column that invoked the murder of Emmett Till while criticizing Clark’s handling of hard contact and questionable referee decisions. No questions addressed Thomas’ punch to Clark’s throat directly, nor did anyone press the commissioner on a letter sent by 11 GOP lawmakers demanding greater accountability regarding the physical treatment of the league’s biggest star.

Engelbert also wasn’t questioned about allegedly canceling an interview on The Dan Patrick Show in early July, an incident that raised questions about her willingness to face tough media scrutiny.

The commissioner did announce one concrete policy change: the WNBA will implement a full replay center beginning in 2027.

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