WNBA: Tension between players and commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Tension in the WNBA: Players Question Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s Leadership

Nneka Ogwumike, after learning about Napheesa Collier’s exit interview, reacted with surprise to the avalanche of messages from her teammates. The Minnesota Lynx star harshly criticized the WNBA’s leadership, especially commissioner Cathy Engelbert, calling it “the worst in the world”.

“My first thought was, ‘I agree.’ And I felt proud to be part of this union and to have players like Phee who demonstrate their leadership.”

Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBA players’ union

The WNBA players’ response was immediate and forceful, with multiple displays of support for Collier. Elizabeth Williams, a member of the union’s executive committee, also expressed her backing. This widespread backing suggests a deterioration in the relationship between Engelbert and the players, especially since he took office in May 2019. While Engelbert’s arrival coincided with significant league growth, there were also moments of controversy. These include everything from the presentation of an unusually sized All-Star MVP trophy to errors in the pronunciation of names and decisions that, according to the players, undermined their professional and personal value. The situation is compounded by the ongoing WNBA Finals and collective bargaining agreement (CBA) negotiations set to expire on October 31, which has shifted attention to the players’ skepticism about Engelbert’s ability to lead.

In the image, Nneka Ogwumike relates the initial tensions with Cathy Engelbert to the 2020 season in the “bubble”. In August 2020, during the season in the “bubble” of the IMG Academy, WNBA players decided to highlight social activism. The season was dedicated to the “Say Her Name” campaign, and “Black Lives Matter” messages were placed on the court. Commissioner Engelbert initially supported the players’ decision to postpone games in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement.

However, the players recall that the collaboration wasn’t as smooth as it seemed. Ogwumike states that the conversations with Engelbert and other leaders focused more on commercial aspects. Layshia Clarendon, former member of the executive committee, recalled that the players were determined to move forward with their initiatives, regardless of the commissioner’s opinion.

In 2024, the arrival of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in the WNBA generated comments about their rivalry, which often took on a racialized tone. Engelbert, when addressing online toxicity, argued about the need for rivalries in sports. Terri Jackson, executive director of the WNBPA, criticized these comments, arguing that this type of behavior should not be tolerated. Engelbert acknowledged that her initial comments “didn’t hit the mark”, but this added to the growing distance between her and the players.

In the image, Cathy Engelbert, who began her tenure as WNBA commissioner with a new CBA, now faces criticism from players amid negotiations for a new agreement.

An example of the league’s lack of attention to the players’ needs was the issue of charter flights. Despite the players’ complaints about commercial travel, nothing changed for years. The league fined the Liberty for paying for charter flights and, at the time, Engelbert argued that they couldn’t afford charter flights for all teams. The situation changed after Caitlin Clark was greeted by the media at the airport. A week later, Engelbert announced a charter flight program for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The players, like Elizabeth Williams, credited Engelbert with obtaining credit for this measure. While Engelbert may highlight successes such as increased television audiences and product sales, the players perceive that their contributions have been minimized. They believe that the commissioner has prioritized her own success, which has generated distrust. According to Williams, the players feel that Engelbert has adopted a posture of gratitude rather than partnership. Plum has also pointed out that the way Engelbert communicates is an important factor.

In the image, Kelsey Plum believes that both sides can win in the next CBA. “The conversation has been combative and that is increasing frustration,” she says. The relationship between the players and Engelbert has publicly deteriorated at a crucial moment for CBA negotiations. The October 31 deadline is 22 days away, and the players have indicated that an agreement has not been reached. The main point of conflict is the salary structure. The players are seeking a salary cap linked to league revenue and higher salaries, reflecting their belief that they deserve a significant raise. Engelbert tried to address the players’ frustration last week in Las Vegas, but her statement was not well received by everyone. Satou Sabally summed up the response of many players: “Honestly, no comment. Because that’s really what she gave.”