Clark says communication with WNBA leadership ‘can improve overall’

Before Saturday’s WNBA All-Star Game, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged communication with the players needs to improve. She said, “We need to be better at it. There’s no doubt. I need to be better.”

After the game, Fever G Caitlin Clark was asked about her relationship with league leadership, noting her “great relationship” with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who was in attendance. She said she communicates mostly with player leadership and WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike. Clark: “Relationships are really important to me, and I think we can always improve in that area. I think that can improve a lot of things. I think communication can improve overall. … Communication and relationships solve a lot of issues and a lot of problems. And at the same time, the WNBA has so much to be proud of. And I feel like we’re always so focused on the negative when we can be focused on the positive. WNBA leadership has created a lot of positives for this league too, and that should be celebrated. And Cathy has also brought a lot to this league and helped us reach new milestones. But there’s always room for improvement in everywhere of a business. And I think we can just go back and reflect and find ways to get better” (X, 7/25).

When former President Barack Obama visited the WNBA All-Stars before practices Friday morning at the Obama Presidential Center, he made the rounds shaking hands. When he reached Clark, he told her she was fantastic and then had some advice. He said, “Don’t let all this nonsense get you down. I always say one of the things that was luckiest for me was I didn’t get famous until I was like 45. So I was an old-ass man. You’re my daughter’s age. … So don’t lose that joy" (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 7/24).

Meanwhile, the WNBA All-Star Game set an attendance record with 19,783 at the United Center, besting the previous record of 19,487 in 2007 at the then-Verizon Center in Washington (YAHOO SPORTS, 7/25) Team Spoon, drafted by WNBA All-Star GM Teresa Weatherspoon, beat Team Cooper, drafted by WNBA legend Cynthia Cooper, 129-22. Jonquel Jones became the first player to win league MVP, WNBA Commissioner’s Cup MVP, Finals MVP and All-Star MVP (USA TODAY, 7/25).

The get-in price for tickets surged to a whopping $324, according to TicketData.com, with an increase of 54% over the final three days. That total eclipses the combined get-in price of the last three All-Star Games (TicketData).

Among the celebrities at All-Star Weekend: Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, “Love Island” alum Chelley Bissainthe and halftime performer Tyla. The Celebrity 3-Point Contest on Friday featured Keke Palmer, Issa Rae, Maya Higa and Allie Clifton (SBJ)