September 11, 2024
Players, union respond to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s comments about social media attacks
'They don’t want everybody being nice to one another'
On Monday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert appeared on CNBC’s “Power Lunch” and was asked questions regarding the “darker” and “more menacing” tone coming from fans on social media. That’s included increasing harassment toward players, particularly as it relates to the rivalry between the Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese and the Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark.
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“There’s no more apathy. Everybody cares,” Engelbert 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.”
She continued: “But the 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.”
In regards to the inflammatory commentary on social media, the commissioner said her best advice was to ignore it, and then explained how corporations are now investing into the league more than ever.
A number of fans and players, including the WNBPA itself, took issue with her response.
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The WNBPA issued a statement on Engelbert’s comments.
“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,” the statement read. “Fandom should lift up the game, not tear down the very people who bring it to life.”
It continues, “Racism, and the toll it takes on everyone, is NEVER tolerable, let alone justifiable, in the name of economic growth. This is about more than just basketball—it’s about respect, accountability, and setting the standard for what we will and will not accept in our sport and society.”
Players expressed their disappointment in Engelbert’s statement as well.
On Tuesday evening, Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty addressed the situation following a 105-91 win against the Dallas Wings.
“To be honest, I saw the interview today, and since then have been in talks with Terri (Jackson) at the WNBPA. I think that it’s disappointing to hear, because the way that the fans have surged, especially behind Caitlin and Angel coming to this league, but also bringing, like, a race aspect, to a different level.”
Kelsey Plum of the Las Vegas Aces said Engelbert’s comments were “hard to hear,” adding that, “It’s pretty clear, there’s a big difference between rivalries and racism. Big difference.” While her teammate, Alysha Clark said, “I wish Engelbert would have just said that—’It’s not OK.'”
After receiving backlash, Engelbert posted a statement on X, saying, “To be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.”
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