WNBA commissioner vows to address harassment and racism against players

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert devoted the first substantive portion of her press conference at the league’s All-Star Game to the issue of “harassment” against players. He said the league will implement “next steps” to address “every aspect” of the player experience on, off and online.

“Racism, misogyny, homophobia, harassment and threats against our players have no place in sports or anywhere else.” said Engelbert, adding that the problems had intensified in recent weeks but continued to be a problem “from the moment I walked through the door.”

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“There is more work to be done and we have to make sure we do it.”

Many WNBA fans have expressed concern in recent weeks over suspected racist abuse against phenom Caitlin Clark after she was punched in the throat by Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas during a game on June 24.

Other fans have expressed concerns about racist comments and threats made towards Thomas and other players online, including Aces player Chelsea Gray, who received an alleged racial slur in an Instagram DM earlier this month.

Critics have suggested that Engelbert should be fired for his interference in league controversies this season and in recent years. Engelbert was asked if he expected to become commissioner at the start of the 2027 season. He didn’t answer yes or no.

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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a press conference prior to the WNBA All-Star basketball game on July 19, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

“I’m so happy to be at the helm of this league during this incredible period of hyper-growth… I’m just going to continue to do my job, execute the strategy, because it’s working,” he said.

When asked a question about how the league would handle player safety, Engelbert turned his answer into a rant about “keyboard warriors.”

“Someone gave me the term ‘keyboard warriors’. They’re very intentional about getting their message out to our players, whether it’s through DM or other means. So, once again, we’re going to try to attack it and communicate more with players about it,” he said.

Engelbert also touched on the question of whether the WNBA would make investigations into penalties and suspensions more transparent, but did not give a clear answer on this issue, repeating the phrase “we have processes” frequently.

Engelbert was not asked any questions about a recent USA Today column that criticized Clark for rough contact and questionable referee calls while bringing up the murder of Emmett Till.

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He also wasn’t asked any other questions specifically about Clark, the punch Thomas threw in Clark’s throat or the recent letter 11 GOP lawmakers sent to the league pushing for more responsibility for Clark’s physical treatment.

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WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert tees off on the 18th hole during the first round of the 2026 American Century Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course in Stateline, Nev., on July 10, 2026. (Al Chang/ISI Photos)

The commissioner also was not asked about the alleged cancellation of an interview on The Dan Patrick Show in early July.

Engelbert announced during the press conference that the WNBA will implement a full replay center starting in 2027.