Cathy Engelbert faces scrutiny over WNBA relationship with Caitlin Clark
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 14, 2026, 8:35 AM
Last updated Sep 14, 2026
A report from the Sports Business Journal indicates that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has maintained a professional distance from Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark. Executives across the league reportedly cite a need for improved relationship building as a priority for the commissioner, noting a perceived disconnect with players and staff. The report states that Engelbert has not attended an Indiana Fever game since 2024 and canceled a scheduled visit in August. Critics suggest Engelbert intentionally avoided appearing to favor Clark given the league's demographic composition. Amid this discourse, Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham defended the impact Clark has made on the league’s visibility and popularity. Cunningham expressed confusion regarding why some figures are hesitant to acknowledge Clark's contributions to the growth of the WNBA.
- •A Sports Business Journal report claims Cathy Engelbert avoided building a relationship with Caitlin Clark.
- •Engelbert has not attended an Indiana Fever game since 2024.
- •League executives have identified relationship building as a requirement for the next commissioner.
- •Sophie Cunningham stated that Clark has been a catalyst for increasing league attendance and interest.
- 8:35 AMYahoo Sports — WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert hasn't attended Fever home game when Caitlin Clark plays per report
- 12:08 PMYahoo Sports — “Another Conspiracy Theory Proven Fact”: Caitlin Clark Fans React as Cathy Engelbert Reportedly Chose Not to Build Relation With Fever Superstar
"Caitlin Clark fans had their “I told you so” moment on Friday after a report suggested that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert never tried to build a relationship with the Indiana Fever superstar. Many of Clark’s fans felt the league didn’t do enough to promote her or recognize her influence in improving the WNBA’s popularity.
"A column in the Sports Business Journal reveals a mind-boggling fact related to the WNBA commissioner and Fever star Caitlin Clark.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 14, 2026, 8:35 AMWNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert hasn't attended Fever home game when Caitlin Clark plays per report
A column in the Sports Business Journal reveals a mind-boggling fact related to the WNBA commissioner and Fever star Caitlin Clark.
- Yahoo SportsSep 12, 2026, 12:08 PM“Another Conspiracy Theory Proven Fact”: Caitlin Clark Fans React as Cathy Engelbert Reportedly Chose Not to Build Relation With Fever Superstar
Caitlin Clark fans had their “I told you so” moment on Friday after a report suggested that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert never tried to build a relationship with the Indiana Fever superstar. Many of Clark’s fans felt the league didn’t do enough to promote her or recognize her influence in improving the WNBA’s popularity.
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