Engelbert back under fire amid latest WNBA controversies

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is “back in the throes of it” months after a transformational CBA “smoothed over tensions” between Engelbert and the players, according to Cassandra Negley of YAHOO SPORTS. She took heat when the league announced Mercury F Alyssa Thomas’ “Flagrant Foul 2” and one-game suspension for “recklessly making contact to the throat area” of Fever G Caitlin Clark. Engelbert then committed to an interview on Dan Patrick’s sports radio show at the American Century Championship but “left him hanging and then canceled.” It was actually NBA Commissioner Adam Silver who “pushed Engelbert to suspend Thomas after she did not intend to do so.” Silver described Clark and the constant noise around her as “political ping-pong,” adding she has “become a bit of a political football.” How Engelbert handles questions about Clark will now be “under even wider criticism on the heels of his direct response.” She and the players “will also be asked about the meeting scheduled for Tuesday” between league leadership and the WNBPA executive committee, including its Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee (YAHOO SPORTS, 7/21).

BUSINESS OVER RELATIONSHIPS: Liberty F and WNBAPA VP Breanna Stewart said that there is a “respect for Engelbert among the players, just not much of a relationship.” The AP’s Doug Feinberg wrote while the commissioner “continues to try and strengthen her relationship with players,” the “business of the WNBA has thrived.” Engelbert was involved in talks that led to a record media rights deal worth over $3B, with the league also set to expand to a record 18 teams by 2030. From a business standpoint, the league “has grown,” including navigating the coronavirus pandemic that “could have crippled the WNBA.” Expansion fees “have gone up five-fold over the past few seasons.” Engelbert noted that valuations of teams were around $5-10M a decade ago, with the average now around $460M. Feinberg wrote it is “nearly impossible to turn on a major sporting event over the past few years without seeing a WNBA player featured in a commercial.” Engelbert “deflected questions about her future” other than to say that she is turning 62 this year. She said, “I haven’t given it a ton of thought. We’ll think about it” (AP, 7/21).

NOT CAPITALIZING ON THE MOMENT: In N.Y., Kirsten Fleming wrote the WNBA and its associated entities “continue to be their own worst enemies when it comes to maximizing their product.” The latest opportunity is a moment involving Fever G Sophie Cunningham that has “launched a thousand memes and imitators.” The image of 29-year-old Cunningham pointing at opponent Mercury F DeWanna Bonner went “crazy viral.” Weeks later, it is “still very much ensconced in the ether.” It has “been a boon to Brand Cunningham.” Fleming: “Too bad the player’s union is throwing cold water on her moment -- which is also the league’s moment.” They said that the viral image cannot be licensed by their business partners. When you “organically have an image that not only resonates with a mainstream audience, but also captures the zeitgeist, you seize on it.” Fleming: “For a league that is constantly touting its physical toughness, they’re pretty damn soft. The people making the decisions are far too into feelings when they should be pushing to be bigger and better.” For years, the league has been “clamoring for the spotlight. They want the money. They want the viewership.” Fleming wrote, “Finally, people are tuning in and becoming invested. But the league doesn’t want the scrutiny that comes with it” (N.Y. POST, 7/21).