WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is under the pump right now. Minnesota Lynx’s Napheesa Collier accused her of being “negligent”. The MVP runner-up also disclosed a private conversation about Caitlin Clark, where Engelbert apparently said Clark should be “grateful” for the platform the WBA provides her. Finally, the Indiana Fever sensation got a chance to respond.
It’s safe to say she sides with Collier’s concerns. During her exit interview for the Fever, Clark said, “We need great leadership at this time across all levels… this is the most important time in this league’s history… Phee said it all,”. The fight against Engelbert is far bigger than just addressing the WNBA product.
The tense environment only heightens the ongoing struggle between the players and the WNBA. The players are seeking to negotiate a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, aiming to limit the revenue-sharing model. Recently, the league signed a new media rights deal worth approximately $200 million per year, which is significantly higher than the total annual compensation for all WNBA players, typically between $10 million and $20 million. So, where exactly is the excess $180M being used?
Caitlin Clark is among the pillars of the WNBA’s growing popularity.