RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesCaitlin Clark gets candid about working with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert as the league continues to grow.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spoke with the media before Saturday’s All-Star Game, but, interestingly, nobody asked her about Caitlin Clark, the league’s biggest and hottest draw.
When it was Clark’s turn to face the reporters after helping Team Spoon to a 129-122 win, the Indiana Fever guard almost inevitably had to respond to questions about her relationship with the league’s top executive.
Fever Star Caitlin Clark Offers Honest Assessment of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
Engelbert was under even more heavy scrutiny heading into the All-Star break. ESPN’s Alexa Philippou reported on Friday that Engelbert’s stint as commissioner has been questioned. According to Philippou, some within the WNBA do not see her as “the right person to navigate the demands the league faces and what its stakeholders need.”
With doubts looming over Engelbert, Clark responded when asked to give insight into her relationship with the former Deloitte CEO.
“Relationships are really important to me, and I think we can always improve in that area. I think that can improve a lot of things. I think communication can improve overall. Me and Adam (Silver) have a great relationship. … And like I said, communication and relationships solve a lot of issues and a lot of problems,” Clark said .
“And WNBA leadership has created a lot of positives for this league too, and that should be celebrated. And Cathy (Engelbert) has also brought a lot to this league and helped us reach new milestones. But there’s always room for improvement.”
The contrast in how the three-time All-Star emphasized her relationship with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, compared to Engelbert’s, wasn’t lost on anyone.
There seems to be a gap between Clark and Engelbert, which Philippou gave more context in her report.
“Multiple team sources told ESPN they find it curious Engelbert hasn’t prioritized developing a closer relationship with Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the league’s most high-profile player and the one widely credited with helping supercharge the league’s popularity,” Philippou wrote.
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Clark wasn’t the only WNBA superstar whose relationship with Engelbert is far from ideal. A’ja Wilson, the reigning and four-time MVP, had an even more damning verdict on how working with Engelbert has been.
“My only relationship with Cathy is when she hands me awards, which is great. I love to see her in that light. But I think when it comes to leadership, I’m always big on bonds. I’m always big on connection on a deeper level,” Wilson said in the All-Star Game presser.
The WNBA is enjoying unprecedented popularity, but at the core of some of its biggest issues seems to be Engelbert’s relationship with the players. As Clark said, there is always room for improvement.
However, when the 61-year-old spoke to reporters, she deflected questions about her future as WNBA commissioner. Engelbert may have very little wriggle room left to improve her management and interpersonal skills before the 2026 season ends, which could be her last at the helm.
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