WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Tuesday angered the National Women's Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) with her response to a question about racism and hateful comments some of the league's athletes have received amid the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Engelbert provided the answer to a question about the “darker” tone adopted by fans that includes race, sexuality and other non-basketball factors into the equation.
“There's no apathy anymore. Everybody cares. It's a little bit like that Bird-Magic moment if you remember back in 1979, when those two freshmen came in from a great college rivalry, one white, one black. And then we have that moment with these two,” Engelbert said on CNBC's “Power Lunch.”
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during Changemaker Day at the Parsons Leadership Center at Camp South Mountain in Phoenix on July 18, 2024. (Diannie Chavez/La República/USA TODAY NETWORK)
“But what I do know about sports is that you need rivalry. That's what makes people watch. They want to see big games between rivals. They don't want everyone being nice to each other.”
WNBPA executive director Terri Jackson issued a statement regarding Engelbert's comments, suggesting she was wrong in her response.
“Here is the answer the Commissioner should have given to the very clear question about the racism, misogyny and harassment experienced by the players,” Jackson's statement read.
“There is absolutely no place in sport – or in life – for the vile hatred, racist language, homophobic comments and misogynistic attacks our players face on social media.
NBA LEGEND PRAISES CAITLIN CLARK'S DEVELOPMENT DURING HER ROOKIE SEASON
Caitlin Clark, left, poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being selected first overall by the Indiana Fever during the 2024 WNBA Draft at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on April 15, 2024 in New York City. (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities fueling a business model. This kind of toxic bigotry should never be tolerated or left unchecked. It demands immediate action and, frankly, should have been addressed a long time ago.
“As the WNBPA's director, now in my ninth season, I can say that we welcome the growing interest in the WNBA in recent years, particularly the surge in fan base brought on by this electrifying rookie class, led by Angel and Caitlin.
“To the loyal fans who have been with the W for decades, thank you for your unwavering support. You know the history, the game and the players; you know us better than anyone. And to our new fans, welcome! Your energy and passion are recognized and appreciated. Together, with all of our fans, we will continue to build a sustainable and prosperous future for the WNBA.”
Engelbert later attempted to clarify his comments.
“During a recent media interview, I was asked about the dark side of social media and online conversations about rivalries and race in the WNBA. To be clear, there is no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else,” she wrote on X.
Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark, left, and Chicago Sky's Angel Reese watch during the game on June 1, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. (Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)
The rivalry between Clark and Reese began with the women's college basketball national champions and both have had plenty of success early in their WNBA careers.
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However, his gameplay has sparked passionate debates about players.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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