Many WNBA fans have rallied behind Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever star who has sparked an unprecedented surge in ratings and attendance across the women’s professional basketball league. Even Commissioner Cathy Engelbert can’t deny Clark’s impact, though she now finds herself under fire for an alleged private comment about the rookie sensation.
Clark, alongside Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, and the 2024–2025 rookie classes, has transformed how fans view the WNBA. Because of that, many are calling on the league to implement stronger measures to protect its players, especially after the physical toll Clark has endured this season.
Commissioner faces backlash over alleged remarks
According to Firstsportz, fans began questioning Commissioner Engelbert’s support for Caitlin Clark after Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier revealed a supposed private conversation with the league executive.
Collier claimed Engelbert said: “Caitlin should be grateful she’s making $16 million off the court. Without the WNBA platform, she wouldn’t be doing anything. Players should be on their knees thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal I got them.”
Napheesa Collier’s full statement today, where she challenged Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and the WNBA with directness and stunning detail we rarely hear from active players. Worth listening to every word. pic.twitter.com/IRTvTc52EA
— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) September 30, 2025
Following this revelation, Engelbert was forced to address the allegations just before the 2025 WNBA Finals. However, she dodged direct questions about Caitlin Clark, ultimately responding: “Obviously, I didn’t make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformative player for this league. She’s been an incredible ambassador for the game and has brought tens of millions of fans to it.”
Engelbert tried to defend herself by claiming Collier’s statements were inaccurate, but the controversy remains unresolved. Fans continue to pressure the commissioner, insisting the league do more to protect the Fever’s star and uphold integrity within the WNBA.
