The Women’s National Basketball Players Association called out commissioner Cathy Engelbert for her comments regarding racist attacks against the league’s newest stars.
Engelbert on Monday appeared on CNBC’s Power Lunch to discuss the growth of the league this season. Thanks to the arrival of the 2024 draft class — led by Chicago Sky star Angel Reese and Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark — the WNBA has set rating records across several networks.
This rise in popularity, however, has come at a cost. While the rivalry between Reese and Clark has made for an intriguing storyline, it’s led to toxic discourse among their respective fanbases. Eventually, those conversations focused less on basketball and spiraled into narratives on race and sexuality.
Adam Hunger/AP
When asked what the league can do to minimize those conversations, Engelbert skirted around the issue of race and emphasized the importance of rivalries in sports. She also mentioned how the league has seen more marketing and sponsorships as a result of the new stars.
WNBA Commissioner, Cathy Engelbert on the toxicity that’s spawned from the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry. Seems to me the WNBA media who keeps chastising the fans, is running counter to what the commissioner wants. Let me know what you think. #WNBA #feverrising
On Tuesday, the WNBPA issued a statement condemning “vile hate” in the sport.
“Here is the answer that the Commissioner should have provided to the very clear question regarding the racism, misogyny, and harassment experienced by the players,” the statement read. “There is absolutely no place in sport — or in life — for the vile hate, racist language, homophobic comments and misogynistic attacks our players are facing on social media.
“This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities fueling a business model. This kind of toxic fandom should never be tolerated or left unchecked. It demands immediate action, and frankly, should have been addressed long ago.”
Shortly after that statement was published, Engelbert took to social media to clarify her comments.
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
