WNBA Strengthens Fight Against Hate and Violence
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced before the 2025 draft that the league has created a task force dedicated to combating hate and violence directed at players and teams. The announcement seeks to ensure a safe and valued environment for all involved.
We want to ensure that the WNBA continues to be a space where everyone, players, fans, and corporate partners, feel safe, valued, and empowered.
Cathy Engelbert
The working group will implement a four-pronged approach:
- Monitoring of social networks and digital platforms with advanced technology to detect threats.
- Strengthening of conduct standards on all WNBA platforms, including arenas.
- Implementation of security measures at the league and team levels.
- Continuation of mental health professional services for players.
Engelbert highlighted the collaboration with representatives from the league and the teams, as well as with external organizations and experts. The initiative arises following complaints from several players about the increase in racist, misogynistic, and homophobic rhetoric on social media and other incidents.
Breanna Stewart’s wife received a homophobic threatening email during last year’s WNBA Finals. Previously, Chennedy Carter was harassed by a man with a camera while the team was getting off the bus.
There is no room for hate, and I think this continues to affect all of us, the players, the team staff. After last year, I think we really wanted to do something… it was time to create this working group and address it head-on, so that’s what we’re going to do.
Cathy Engelbert
Other Topics Addressed by the Commissioner
Engelbert also addressed other relevant topics:
- Conversations about league expansion continue. The Golden State Valkyries will debut this year, followed by the Toronto Tempo and the Portland team next year. The league remains on track to add a 16th team by 2028 at the latest.
- CBA negotiations with the WNBPA are ongoing, described as “in the early stages.” Engelbert expressed optimism about reaching a transformative agreement.
- Regarding the higher salaries offered by the 3-on-3 Unrivaled league, Engelbert expressed pride in what Napheesa Collier and Stewart have created. She highlighted the importance of supporting initiatives that promote women’s basketball.
Engelbert underscored the significant platform that the WNBA offers its players and the positive impact of the investments made by the league’s owners. She mentioned her visit to Unrivaled during the season and the possibility of learning from their player and fan engagement approaches.
