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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert devoted the first serious part of her press conference at the league’s All-Star Game to “harassment” against players. She said the league would implement “next steps” to address “all aspects” of the player experience, on the field, off the field and online.
“Racism, misogyny, homophobia, harassment and threats directed at our players have no place in sports or anywhere else,” Engelbert said, adding that the problems have intensified in recent weeks, but have also existed since “the moment I walked in the door.”
CAITLIN CLARK MAKES WNBA HISTORY WITH RECORD GAME AFTER WEEKS OF CONTROVERSY
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks ahead of the WNBA basketball draft in New York on April 13, 2026. (Pamela Smith/AP)
“There is still work to be done and we need to make sure we do it.”
Many WNBA fans have expressed concern over alleged racially motivated attacks against phenom Caitlin Clark in recent weeks, after she was punched in the throat by Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas during a game on June 24.
Other fans have expressed concern over racist online comments and threats directed at Thomas and other players, including Aces player Chelsea Gray who received an alleged racist slur in an Instagram DM earlier this month.
Critics have suggested Engelbert be fired for her handling of the league’s controversies this season and in recent years. Engelbert was asked if she hoped to become commissioner at the start of the 2027 season. She answered neither yes nor no.
Republican lawmakers are pressuring WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to protect Caitlin Clark.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference before the WNBA All-Star basketball game July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
“I’m so lucky to be leading this league during this incredible period of hyper-growth…I’m just going to continue to do my job, execute the strategy because it worked,” she said.
When asked how the league would approach player safety, Engelbert turned the answer into a rant about “keyboard warriors.”
“Someone gave me this term, ‘keyboard warriors,’ they’re very committed to getting their messages out to our players, whether it’s through direct messages or other means. So, again, we’re going to try to attack it and we’re going to communicate a lot more with the players about it,” she said.
Engelbert responded to the question of whether the WNBA would make investigations into fines and suspensions more transparent, but she also did not give a clear answer on that subject, while frequently repeating the phrase “we have processes.”
Engelbert asked no questions about a recent USA Today column that criticized Clark for his handling of harsh contacts and questionable officiating decisions while invoking the killing of Emmett Till.
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Nor was he asked any further questions specifically about Clark, Thomas’ punch to Clark’s throat or a recent letter sent to the league by 11 Republican lawmakers calling for greater accountability for Clark’s physical treatment.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert tees off on the 18th hole during the first round of the 2026 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course on July 10, 2026, in Stateline, Nevada. (Photos by Al Chang/ISI)
The commissioner was also not asked about the alleged cancellation of an interview on the Dan Patrick Show in early July.
Engelbert announced that the WNBA would implement a full replay center starting in 2027 during her press conference.
