A’ja Wilson addresses relationship with Cathy Engelbert before WNBA All-Star Game
Yahoo Sports • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 26, 2026, 1:47 AM
Last updated Jul 26, 2026
A’ja Wilson, starting for Team Spoon in the WNBA All-Star Game, discussed her relationship with league commissioner Cathy Engelbert. Wilson emphasized the lack of personal connection beyond award ceremonies, stating, "My only relationship with Cathy is when she hands me awards." This follows recent criticisms of Engelbert's handling of player safety and officiating standards, with players expressing their concerns. Wilson called for Engelbert to better engage with players, stating, "show us that you hear us, that you’re there for us." Engelbert has faced scrutiny, with demands for accountability escalating from players and even U.S. Congressmen. The All-Star Game event occurs amidst significant dialogue about leadership within the league.
- •A’ja Wilson is starting for Team Spoon in the WNBA All-Star Game.
- •Wilson's only relationship with Engelbert is award-centric.
- •Players criticize Engelbert's handling of safety and officiating.
- •Wilson urges Engelbert to better engage with players.
- •Recent player feedback indicates a need for stronger leadership.
- 7:19 PMYahoo Sports — A’ja Wilson Opens Up About Relationship With WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
- 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Jonquel Jones Announcement Offers Cathy Engelbert Relief From Chicago Crowd After Team Spoon Beats Team Coop In WNBA All-Star Game
- 4:41 AMYahoo Sports — A’ja Wilson Takes Subtle Shot at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert at All-Star Weekend
- 1:47 AMYahoo Sports — “Love To See Her”: A’ja Wilson Reveals Where She Stands With Cathy Engelbert Before WNBA All-Star Game
"A’ja Wilson shone the spotlight even more on WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who has faced heightened scrutiny since last year. Before Saturday’s All-Star Game, the Las Vegas Aces superstar gave some carefully chosen words that only ignited more speculation about Engelbert’s future as the league’s top executive.
"The WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has come under heavy criticism in recent weeks for a variety of issues, like player safety and officiating, just to name a few. Emotions were running high as the fans jeered Engelbert after the All-Star Game as she made the post-game presentations.
"The recent weeks have seen WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert come under heavy fire for a variety of issues. Amidst all this, A’ja Wilson has drawn the line on her relationship with Engelbert from the sidelines of the All-Star Game, where she is starting for Team Spoon.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 26, 2026, 7:19 PMA’ja Wilson Opens Up About Relationship With WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert
A’ja Wilson spoke about her relationship with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert during All-Star Weekend. Wilson was asked about Engelbert amid growing criticism surrounding the league and the commissioner’s leadership.
- Yahoo SportsJul 26, 2026, 5:00 AMJonquel Jones Announcement Offers Cathy Engelbert Relief From Chicago Crowd After Team Spoon Beats Team Coop In WNBA All-Star Game
The WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, has come under heavy criticism in recent weeks for a variety of issues, like player safety and officiating, just to name a few. Emotions were running high as the fans jeered Engelbert after the All-Star Game as she made the post-game presentations.
- Yahoo SportsJul 26, 2026, 4:41 AMA’ja Wilson Takes Subtle Shot at WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert at All-Star Weekend
A’ja Wilson shone the spotlight even more on WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who has faced heightened scrutiny since last year. Before Saturday’s All-Star Game, the Las Vegas Aces superstar gave some carefully chosen words that only ignited more speculation about Engelbert’s future as the league’s top executive.
- Yahoo SportsJul 26, 2026, 1:47 AM“Love To See Her”: A’ja Wilson Reveals Where She Stands With Cathy Engelbert Before WNBA All-Star Game
The recent weeks have seen WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert come under heavy fire for a variety of issues. Amidst all this, A’ja Wilson has drawn the line on her relationship with Engelbert from the sidelines of the All-Star Game, where she is starting for Team Spoon.
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