WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has not attended any Indiana Fever home games when Caitlin Clark played, according to a report. The revelation has surprised some league executives, who emphasize the importance of consistent presence and relationship-building for the next commissioner.
Cathy Engelbert began her term as WNBA commissioner in 2019, overseeing growth in team numbers, attendance, viewership, media rights income, and player salaries. The league has also faced challenges including controversies surrounding physicality, officiating, racial tensions, and transgender issues.
The WNBA experienced a surge in popularity in 2024 with the selection of Caitlin Clark as the No. 1 draft pick by the Indiana Fever. The Fever quickly became a major draw, selling out arenas in Indianapolis and other cities. Despite 62 home games scheduled for the Fever through the end of the 2026 regular season (accounting for Clark missing some games due to injury), Engelbert has not attended one.
Several team executives expressed surprise at this fact, with one stating, "still blows all of our minds.” As Engelbert’s term ends after the current season, some executives believe the next commissioner should prioritize building relationships with players, coaches, and general managers, specifically mentioning Clark.
One executive emphasized the need for consistent engagement, stating, “These jobs, you have to go in with your eyes open because that is the job. It's not dropping in, et cetera. You've got to show up. It's every weekend. … You just have to be there. Because you need the base. You don't do it in a manipulative way. You do it because you want to and because you care about people. And when you have a base with people, then you can have a hard conversation every now and again. You have something to fall back on.”
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy