Earlier this week, the WNBA Players Union (WNBPA) spoke out against controversial comments made by league commissioner Cathy Engelbert on CNBC’s Power Lunch on Monday.
When asked about social media exchanges concerning rookie superstars Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese where race and sexuality were brought into the conversation, Engelbert avoided addressing the issue directly. Instead, she emphasized the positive aspect of a “rivalry” between the players.
“The one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry,” said the commissioner, likening Reese and Clark to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. “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.”
WNBPA calls out subjects WNBA comm’r Engelbert dodged
Following online criticism from players, the WNBPA released a statement condemning racism, homophobia, and misogyny.
“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 the misogynistic attacks our players are facing on social media…. Fandom should lift up the game, not tear down the very people who bring it to life.”
WNBA stars address Engelbert’s CNBC comments
Several top players from the league reiterated the WNBPA’s message, with Aces forward Alysha Clark speaking out in the press.
“It’s taken a darker turn in terms of the types of comments and the vitriol that’s coming through to the players, and it’s not okay,” Clark told ESPN. “I wish [Engelbert] would have just said that – ‘It’s not okay.”
Liberty star Breanna Stewart echoed Clark’s sentiments, stating “The way that the fans have surged, and especially behind Caitlin and Angel coming to this league, but also bringing a race aspect to a different level – you know, there’s no place for that in our sport.”
Engelbert later responded to the Players Union’s statement in a post on X, writing “there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else.”
