During the WNBA All-Star game’s press conference, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert focused on the harassment players face. She announced plans to improve the experiences of players, emphasizing action on the court, off the court, and online. Engelbert stated, “The racism, the misogyny, the homophobia, the harassment, and threats directed to our players have no place in sport or anywhere else.” She acknowledged that the problems have increased recently but have been an ongoing concern since her tenure began.
Concerns escalated when fans suspected racially motivated attacks against Caitlin Clark after an incident involving Phoenix Mercury’s Alyssa Thomas. Further, online harassment towards players like Chelsea Gray has also been an issue.
Engelbert faced criticism for her handling of these controversies, with some calling for her removal. When asked about her future as commissioner, she remained noncommittal but expressed her commitment to leading during a time of growth for the league. “I will just continue to do my job, execute the strategy because it has been working,” she said.
Addressing player security concerns, Engelbert discussed “keyboard warriors,” those who target players online. She promised increased communication and strategies to counteract such harassment.
Questions about transparency regarding fines and suspensions remained unanswered, as Engelbert frequently mentioned existing “processes.” Notably, recent criticisms surrounding player Caitlin Clark or an incident involving Alyssa Thomas were not addressed directly.
Engelbert also announced a plan to introduce a full replay center by 2027, indicating a move toward more comprehensive game analysis and fairness.
Questions related to recent criticisms or an alleged interview cancellation on The Dan Patrick Show were left unasked during the press conference.
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