WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Is Facing Calls To Step Down

09/11/2024 04:35 PM

Cathy Engelbert has been the commissioner of the WNBA since 2019. While there's no guarantee she'll be replaced anytime soon, it's pretty evident that her seat is getting warm. 

During an appearance on CNBC's "Power Lunch," Engelbert was asked about the horrible commentary surrounding Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese's rivalry. Let's just say she dropped the ball with her response. 

"When those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one black. And so we have that moment with these two," Engelbert said. "But the one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry. 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."

Engelbert later clarified that she's against "hate or racism" in any form. However, the damage was already done. 

WNBA fans believe Engelbert proved that she's not the right leader the league needs for the 2025 season and beyond.  

"I don't typically call for people's jobs, but I genuinely believe Cathy Engelbert isn't the right leader to guide the WNBA through its next stage of growth," one fan tweeted. 

Another fan asked, "Serious question: How is Cathy Engelbert able to keep her job? What has she done to elevate the WNBA? They asked her about racism and sexism. She responded with verbal garbage that highlighted rivalry and endorsements. She needs to go ASAP and is a part of the problem."

"At this time Cathy Engelbert just needs to step down," a third fan said. 

"Cathy Engelbert is not the person for this moment and has proven it all season long," a social media user wrote. 

Terri Jackson, the executive director of the WNBA Players Association, already fired back at Engelbert this week with a powerful statement of her own.

"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," Jackson said. "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." 

Engelbert has a lot of work to do if she wants to win the league's trust back. If she can't change the public's perception of her soon, she may find herself getting replaced.

Related: Angel Reese Reacts To WNBA's Comments About 'Racist' Attacks Toward Players