Historic WNBA Growth Collides With Cathy Engelbert’s Leadership Crisis

2 minutes ago

Historic WNBA Growth Collides With Cathy Engelbert’s Leadership Crisis

Engelbert’s WNBA tenure presents a stark contradiction: historic business growth alongside a leadership crisis. Under her watch, revenue reportedly rose nearly tenfold, media-rights deals reached $3.1 billion, expansion accelerated and players secured a transformational CBA. Yet players, owners and executives now question whether fractured relationships and reactive crisis management have made her the wrong leader for the league’s next era.

By Raahib Singh

Other articles from WNBA

Alyssa Thomas Still Has Not Spoken With Cathy Engelbert After Death Threats

about 1 hour ago

Alyssa Thomas Still Has Not Spoken With Cathy Engelbert After Death Threats

Thomas still has not spoken directly with Engelbert after receiving racial abuse and death threats following her incident with Caitlin Clark, according to people close to the situation. Engelbert said she offered to meet and maintains an open-door policy, but the continued silence has intensified criticism that league leadership reacts too slowly when players face harassment and public crises.

By Raahib Singh

Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey and Azzi Fudd Headline WNBA 3-Point Contest

about 2 hours ago

Rhyne Howard, Marina Mabrey and Azzi Fudd Headline WNBA 3-Point Contest

Howard, Mabrey and No. 1 pick Fudd headline Friday’s six-player WNBA 3-Point Contest at Wintrust Arena. Bridget Carleton, Natisha Hiedeman and Janelle Salaun complete the field. Mabrey leads the league with 82 made threes. The two-round event begins at 8 p.m. ET and airs on ESPN, Disney+ and the ESPN App from Chicago.

By Raahib Singh

WNBA Shooting Stars Field Blends Legends, All-Stars and Rising Talent

about 3 hours ago

WNBA Shooting Stars Field Blends Legends, All-Stars and Rising Talent

Four teams will compete in Friday’s Kia WNBA Shooting Stars contest at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, Disney+ and the ESPN App. Rebekkah Brunson and Courtney Williams represent Minnesota, Lauren Jackson joins Flau’jae Johnson for Seattle, Elena Delle Donne teams with Shakira Austin for Washington, and Deanna Nolan pairs with Jessica Shepard for Dallas/Detroit.

By Raahib Singh

about 4 hours ago

Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Pitch to LeBron James Came Too Late

Clark pitched Indiana’s basketball culture as the Pacers’ greatest selling point, saying James could play alongside Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam in an unmatched home atmosphere. “The crowd would be better than the Lakers games,” Clark said. Calling Indiana a “true basketball state,” she added, “I would be a season-ticket holder. Absolutely. I’d be at every game.”

By Raahib Singh

WNBA Teams Question Cathy Engelbert’s Relationship With Caitlin Clark

about 6 hours ago

WNBA Teams Question Cathy Engelbert’s Relationship With Caitlin Clark

Multiple WNBA team sources find it surprising that Engelbert has not built a closer relationship with Clark, the league’s most prominent player and a driver of its growth. The concern grew after Adam Silver said he had come to know Clark “really well,” highlighting what some officials view as a disconnect between the commissioner and the face of the league.

By Raahib Singh

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