WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently faced backlash from players and fans after her comments on social media abuse during an interview. Players, including members of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), felt that Engelbert’s response inadequately addressed the serious issues of racism, misogyny, and harassment they face online. Engelbert initially failed to clearly condemn the racist abuse targeting WNBA players, particularly in the context of rivalries like that between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
After receiving criticism, Engelbert issued a clarification, emphasizing that she strongly opposes “hate or racism” in any form. She reiterated that there is no place for such behavior within the WNBA or elsewhere, attempting to quell the outrage from players who had called for a more direct and forceful stance against the harmful rhetoric being spread online [[❞]](https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/wnba-players-deserve-better-fans-110449274.html) [[❞]](https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/wnba-players-union-speak-against-045903023.html).
Despite this clarification, some players and the WNBPA remained dissatisfied, expressing that Engelbert’s delayed response and initial hesitation reflected a broader need for stronger leadership and advocacy from the league when addressing the racial and gendered abuse that players experience.
