Caitlin Clark biographer criticizes WNBA commissioner's safety decisions
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 4:39 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026
Christine Brennan, biographer of Caitlin Clark, criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for delayed implementation of full-time charter flights for players, which began in May 2024. Brennan highlighted that security concerns became urgent after a viral incident in 2024 when Clark and her Indiana Fever teammates were seen in a public terminal, raising safety risks for players. The lack of prior action following Brittney Griner's release from Russia and her own ordeal in an airport also drew condemnation from Brennan. Engelbert's leadership on this issue is called into question, with her tenure scheduled to end in December 2026.
- •WNBA implemented charter flights for all players in May 2024.
- •Brennan called Engelbert's decisions a vacuum of leadership.
- •Caitlin Clark's security concerns intensified following a viral baggage claim incident in 2024.
- •Brittney Griner faced security risks upon her return from Russia before charter flights were established.
- •Engelbert's tenure concludes in December 2026.
- 4:39 AMYahoo Sports — “Don’t Go out of Your Way To Ignore Caitlin Clark”: WNBA’s Treatment of the Fever Star Draws Strong Appeal From Ex-ESPN Host
- 10:05 AMYahoo Sports — How Caitlin Clark changed Cathy Engelbert’s ‘horrible decision,’ reveals Christine Brennan
- 9:38 PMYahoo Sports — "Horrible Decision": Caitlin Clark Biographer Blasts WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s Handling of Player Safety
"The WNBA has spent years trying to build its audience since its inception in 1996, but in 2024, Caitlin Clark brought a level of attention few could have predicted. Her arrival changed the conversation around the sport, from television audiences to attendance and the broader interest surrounding WNBA games.
"Caitlin Clark changed the way WNBA players travel for games during the season. In 2024, the Indiana Fever drafted Iowa Hawkeyes standout Caitlin Clark with the No.
"The WNBA now uses full-time charter flights for all its players. That was not always the case.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 17, 2026, 4:39 AM“Don’t Go out of Your Way To Ignore Caitlin Clark”: WNBA’s Treatment of the Fever Star Draws Strong Appeal From Ex-ESPN Host
The WNBA has spent years trying to build its audience since its inception in 1996, but in 2024, Caitlin Clark brought a level of attention few could have predicted. Her arrival changed the conversation around the sport, from television audiences to attendance and the broader interest surrounding WNBA games.
- Yahoo SportsSep 15, 2026, 10:05 AMHow Caitlin Clark changed Cathy Engelbert’s ‘horrible decision,’ reveals Christine Brennan
Caitlin Clark changed the way WNBA players travel for games during the season. In 2024, the Indiana Fever drafted Iowa Hawkeyes standout Caitlin Clark with the No.
- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 9:38 PM"Horrible Decision": Caitlin Clark Biographer Blasts WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s Handling of Player Safety
The WNBA now uses full-time charter flights for all its players. That was not always the case.
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