WNBA Commissioner Denies Comment on Caitlin Clark's Earnings
Cathy Engelbert refutes claims of stating Caitlin Clark should be grateful for WNBA platform.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has denied allegations that she remarked Caitlin Clark should be grateful for the league's platform enabling her off-court earnings.
Engelbert addressed the issue during a press conference before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, stating, "Obviously, I did not make those comments." She praised Clark as a "transformational player" who has attracted "tens of millions of new fans to the game."
The controversy arose after Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier claimed Engelbert had made the comment during a private conversation in February.
Engelbert expressed disappointment over the situation, emphasizing her commitment to improving relations with players. "I was disheartened to hear that some players feel the league, and me personally, do not care about them or listen to them," she said. "If the players in the W don't feel appreciated and valued by the League, then we have to do better, and I have to do better."
Clark acknowledged Collier's concerns, stating that she made "a lot of very valid points" and highlighting the importance of this moment for the league.