25 days ago
The WNBA learned in early September that commissioner Cathy Engelbert has decided to step down and retire from her position following this season. Engelbert has overseen a successful tenure that has helped elevate the WNBA's profile and grow the league's brand.
Now, the league will need to find Engelbert's successor. Several names have already been suggested as potential candidates. However, some of the WNBA's biggest stars may also have a voice in who should succeed Engelbert.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham showered with gifts at NASCAR race
One star has already offered her thoughts on the type of person who should take over. Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham was asked what kind of person she expects to be named the next WNBA commissioner.
Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts while warming up prior to a game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#WNBA #Chicago
Now, the league will need to find Engelbert's successor. Several names have already been suggested as potential candidates. However, some of the WNBA's biggest stars may also have a voice in who should succeed Engelbert.
MORE: Sophie Cunningham showered with gifts at NASCAR race
One star has already offered her thoughts on the type of person who should take over. Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham was asked what kind of person she expects to be named the next WNBA commissioner.
Aug 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) reacts while warming up prior to a game against the Chicago Sky at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
#WNBA #Chicago
25 days ago
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana Fever wing Sophie Cunningham has thoughts on what a new WNBA commissioner should bring to the table. And she's already had conversations with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who is leading the search for the new WNBA commissioner, about it.
Silver reached out to Cunningham, she said on Monday, as her agents are close with him.
"I have talked to Adam Silver a couple times, and I think he's a great guy who's very knowledgeable and full of wisdom," Cunningham said. "Just getting to talk to him and hear his perspective of his approach to the NBA is huge. Who he's kind of looking for, I think if you want to know the real answers, go to him, but I think he's going to put someone in place who really wants to take our league to another level than it's already at. Our league is booming, so why would we not want someone who is going to try to make it even more booming?"
Cathy Engelbert, who has been the WNBA's commissioner since 2019, announced on Sept. 4 that she would retire at the end of the year. Engelbert ushered in a lot of growth to the league, including six new teams across the U.S. and Canada, but garnered a lot of criticism for her lack of relationship with players.
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#silver #league #WNBA #engelbert
Silver reached out to Cunningham, she said on Monday, as her agents are close with him.
"I have talked to Adam Silver a couple times, and I think he's a great guy who's very knowledgeable and full of wisdom," Cunningham said. "Just getting to talk to him and hear his perspective of his approach to the NBA is huge. Who he's kind of looking for, I think if you want to know the real answers, go to him, but I think he's going to put someone in place who really wants to take our league to another level than it's already at. Our league is booming, so why would we not want someone who is going to try to make it even more booming?"
Cathy Engelbert, who has been the WNBA's commissioner since 2019, announced on Sept. 4 that she would retire at the end of the year. Engelbert ushered in a lot of growth to the league, including six new teams across the U.S. and Canada, but garnered a lot of criticism for her lack of relationship with players.
Buy Indiana Fever tickets!
#silver #league #WNBA #engelbert
1 month ago
News that Cathy Engelbert will step down as WNBA commissioner at the end of the 2026 season sent shockwaves through the league on Friday, Sept. 4.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, bringing her polarizing seven-year tenure that saw exponential growth and increased scrutiny to a close. Engelbert helped oversee a transformational collective barging agreement earlier this spring, her second at the helm of the W since becoming the league's first commissioner in 2019.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," Silver said in a statement. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Silver wasn't the only voice in basketball to comment on the news. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson both chimed in following Engelbert's retirement announcement.
Here's are their reactions:
#WNBA #wnbpa #Growth #Basketball
NBA commissioner Adam Silver announced Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, bringing her polarizing seven-year tenure that saw exponential growth and increased scrutiny to a close. Engelbert helped oversee a transformational collective barging agreement earlier this spring, her second at the helm of the W since becoming the league's first commissioner in 2019.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," Silver said in a statement. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Silver wasn't the only voice in basketball to comment on the news. WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike and WNBPA executive director Terri Carmichael Jackson both chimed in following Engelbert's retirement announcement.
Here's are their reactions:
#WNBA #wnbpa #Growth #Basketball
1 month ago
The history books will be kinder to Cathy Engelbert than this last year was as WNBA commissioner.
Six expansion teams. An international market. A landmark media rights deal. Exploding TV viewership and arena attendance numbers. Team valuations topping out at $1 billion and averaging $460 million.
Then there's the league's first $1 million player salaries and a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) based on revenue-sharing, marking the second "transformational" CBA she oversaw. They bookend a mind-boggling ascension for women's sports collectively in Engelbert's seven years running a league that turned 30 this year, and is the longest-running women's league in the United States.
Pull back 10,000 feet, and those are the highlights of a theoretical Encyclopedia Britannica entry, not the turmoil that ultimately led to Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, announced on Friday. She is the league's second-longest-tenured leader, and told the ****** ociated Press she had initially intended to do the job for three and a half years. She sped past that short window, and told the AP she had been mulling the decision for months.
"This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we've been on," Engelbert told the outlet, adding it was her decision and she did not feel pressure from NBA or WNBA stakeholders. "Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done."
#year
Six expansion teams. An international market. A landmark media rights deal. Exploding TV viewership and arena attendance numbers. Team valuations topping out at $1 billion and averaging $460 million.
Then there's the league's first $1 million player salaries and a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) based on revenue-sharing, marking the second "transformational" CBA she oversaw. They bookend a mind-boggling ascension for women's sports collectively in Engelbert's seven years running a league that turned 30 this year, and is the longest-running women's league in the United States.
Pull back 10,000 feet, and those are the highlights of a theoretical Encyclopedia Britannica entry, not the turmoil that ultimately led to Engelbert's decision to retire at the end of the year, announced on Friday. She is the league's second-longest-tenured leader, and told the ****** ociated Press she had initially intended to do the job for three and a half years. She sped past that short window, and told the AP she had been mulling the decision for months.
"This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we've been on," Engelbert told the outlet, adding it was her decision and she did not feel pressure from NBA or WNBA stakeholders. "Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done."
#year
1 month ago
Stephen A. Smith didn't hold back about the pros and cons about Cathy Engelbert's career after he found out about her announcement to retire from the position of WNBA Commissioner following the end of the 2026 season.
Engelbert, who turns 62 in November, told The ***** ociated Press on Friday that she has been thinking about retiring for months.
"When I first came to the league I intended to do this for 3 1/2 years," she said in a phone interview. "The 7 1/2 years exceeded that time. This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we've been on. Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done."
Smith made his usual appearance on ESPN's First Take show on Friday. He reacted to the news about Engelbert, being glad the news came as the WNBA transitions to a new era of leadership when Engelbert retires in the coming months.
"About time. Took her long enough. They've been wanting her gone. Wishing nothing but the best, she helped negotiate the latest collective bargaining agreement. Kudos to her. But as Napheesa Collier said last year, she questioned the leadership, accused them of being negligent, said they had the worst leadership in the world, and she had the support of a vast majority of the players," Smith said.
#engelbert
Engelbert, who turns 62 in November, told The ***** ociated Press on Friday that she has been thinking about retiring for months.
"When I first came to the league I intended to do this for 3 1/2 years," she said in a phone interview. "The 7 1/2 years exceeded that time. This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we've been on. Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done."
Smith made his usual appearance on ESPN's First Take show on Friday. He reacted to the news about Engelbert, being glad the news came as the WNBA transitions to a new era of leadership when Engelbert retires in the coming months.
"About time. Took her long enough. They've been wanting her gone. Wishing nothing but the best, she helped negotiate the latest collective bargaining agreement. Kudos to her. But as Napheesa Collier said last year, she questioned the leadership, accused them of being negligent, said they had the worst leadership in the world, and she had the support of a vast majority of the players," Smith said.
#engelbert
1 month ago
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced on Friday that she will be retiring from her role at the conclusion of the 2026 season.
Engelbert, 61, has held the commissioner role since July 2019. She is the second-longest president or commissioner in the league's history.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
While the league has seen tremendous growth over the past seven years, there have been numerous questions about Engelbert's leadership style, most notably her ability to foster a strong relationship with the league's players.
Following a season-ending injury and the Lynx's elimination from the playoffs last season, Napheesa Collier called out Engelbert in an explosive end-of-season press conference where she called the commissioner the "worst" leader in the world.
#WNBA
Engelbert, 61, has held the commissioner role since July 2019. She is the second-longest president or commissioner in the league's history.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
While the league has seen tremendous growth over the past seven years, there have been numerous questions about Engelbert's leadership style, most notably her ability to foster a strong relationship with the league's players.
Following a season-ending injury and the Lynx's elimination from the playoffs last season, Napheesa Collier called out Engelbert in an explosive end-of-season press conference where she called the commissioner the "worst" leader in the world.
#WNBA
1 month ago
Cathy Engelbert is stepping down as WNBA commissioner, ending a polarizing tenure that saw the league grow exponentially under her watch but also raised questions about her ability to lead it through its era of increased scrutiny and attention.
Engelbert has informed the league of her decision to retire, effective at the end of this year, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," said Silver. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Engelbert, 61, has served as WNBA commissioner since May 2019. Previously, she worked at Deloitte for more than 30 years and was elevated to CEO of the company in 2015.
"After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner," said Engelbert. "In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league's first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women's sports."
#engelbert
Engelbert has informed the league of her decision to retire, effective at the end of this year, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
"Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," said Silver. "We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball."
Engelbert, 61, has served as WNBA commissioner since May 2019. Previously, she worked at Deloitte for more than 30 years and was elevated to CEO of the company in 2015.
"After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner," said Engelbert. "In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league's first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women's sports."
#engelbert
2 months ago
As the WNBA finds itself in a storm of controversy, some fans want Barack Obama to take over for Cathy Engelbert as the league's new commissioner.
The last year has been difficult for Engelbert, who has come under fire for her handling of multiple issues, including the standoff during the WNBPA's collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
But the way she has failed to address the recent controversy surrounding the league has people looking to outside figures to take over as the new commissioner of the WNBA.
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
One fan on X suggested that Barack Obama should try and make himself available to replace Cathy Engelbert and become the new WNBA commissioner.
#obama #cathy #geoff
The last year has been difficult for Engelbert, who has come under fire for her handling of multiple issues, including the standoff during the WNBPA's collective bargaining agreement negotiations.
But the way she has failed to address the recent controversy surrounding the league has people looking to outside figures to take over as the new commissioner of the WNBA.
Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images
One fan on X suggested that Barack Obama should try and make himself available to replace Cathy Engelbert and become the new WNBA commissioner.
#obama #cathy #geoff
2 months ago
UConn legend Geno Auriemma believes WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert can't control what players say, but there is one thing she can do.
Look, the WNBA is practically suffocating under its own growth right now. Every single week, actual basketball gets shoved to the backseat so the internet can fight another exhausting culture war.
That frustration finally blew wide open when Sophie Cunningham took a sledgehammer to Cathy Engelbert's leadership. Cunningham didn't hold back, basically suggesting Engelbert is out of her depth and could halt the future progress and development of the WNBA.
When players are openly talking about replacing the commissioner, you know there's an issue.
However, her job hasn't been made easy by all the outside noise involving the transgender situation, and former NBA players like Enes Kanter and Royce White.
#engelbert #cunningham #look
Look, the WNBA is practically suffocating under its own growth right now. Every single week, actual basketball gets shoved to the backseat so the internet can fight another exhausting culture war.
That frustration finally blew wide open when Sophie Cunningham took a sledgehammer to Cathy Engelbert's leadership. Cunningham didn't hold back, basically suggesting Engelbert is out of her depth and could halt the future progress and development of the WNBA.
When players are openly talking about replacing the commissioner, you know there's an issue.
However, her job hasn't been made easy by all the outside noise involving the transgender situation, and former NBA players like Enes Kanter and Royce White.
#engelbert #cunningham #look
2 months ago
Daveigh Chase's parents are at odds over who should manage the late actress' six-figure estate. Her father, John Schwallier, has filed court documents opposing a request from her mother, Cathy Chase, to serve as administrator.
Schwallier instead wants the court to appoint an independent fiduciary. The filing also cited Daveigh's relationships with both parents before her death in June.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Schwallier objected to Cathy's petition and nominated Megan Boling for the role. Boling identified herself as a neutral licensed professional fiduciary.
The filing asks the court to appoint a public administrator if it does not select Boling.
Schwallier's objection also addressed Daveigh's history with her mother. The documents state that The Ring star became emancipated from Cathy while she was still a minor following "allegations of financial irregularities" involving her mother. According to the filing, the two remained separated afterward.
#filing #cathy #administrator
Schwallier instead wants the court to appoint an independent fiduciary. The filing also cited Daveigh's relationships with both parents before her death in June.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Schwallier objected to Cathy's petition and nominated Megan Boling for the role. Boling identified herself as a neutral licensed professional fiduciary.
The filing asks the court to appoint a public administrator if it does not select Boling.
Schwallier's objection also addressed Daveigh's history with her mother. The documents state that The Ring star became emancipated from Cathy while she was still a minor following "allegations of financial irregularities" involving her mother. According to the filing, the two remained separated afterward.
#filing #cathy #administrator
2 months ago
DALLAS — By Thursday afternoon, the get-in ticket price at the American Airlines Center hovered around $80. The cost to view the fourth-ever WNBA matchup between Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark from the upper deck — less than a week after the scintillating third meeting in Indianapolis — was not overly prohibitive.
The show had different stars and a different result this time. The Dallas Wings notched maybe their most-needed win of the season with a 91-85 victory over the Indiana Fever, at last finding some equilibrium after losing Azzi Fudd to season-ending knee surgery and sliding into eighth place in the WNBA standings. It also ended the Fever's five-game winning streak and prevented them from clinching a playoff spot on their first try.
Those among the 20,297 seeking another Bueckers-Clark duel, after each scored 29 points in last Friday's meeting?
They instead got Arike Ogunbowale scoring 32 points and Jessica Shepard adding 26 for Dallas in her return to the lineup, while Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell carried a too-heavy load with 37 points — though she made history in doing so. Bueckers and Clark, meanwhile, missed a combined 22 of 31 shots from the field.
Still, even without those two playing captivating basketball, it appears the Wings and Fever under the same roof is becoming a must-attend rivalry. Among the notables on hand Thursday night: Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg and NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady. Even WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert made an appearance, chatting up Cuban between the third and fourth quarters.
#bueckers #clark
The show had different stars and a different result this time. The Dallas Wings notched maybe their most-needed win of the season with a 91-85 victory over the Indiana Fever, at last finding some equilibrium after losing Azzi Fudd to season-ending knee surgery and sliding into eighth place in the WNBA standings. It also ended the Fever's five-game winning streak and prevented them from clinching a playoff spot on their first try.
Those among the 20,297 seeking another Bueckers-Clark duel, after each scored 29 points in last Friday's meeting?
They instead got Arike Ogunbowale scoring 32 points and Jessica Shepard adding 26 for Dallas in her return to the lineup, while Indiana's Kelsey Mitchell carried a too-heavy load with 37 points — though she made history in doing so. Bueckers and Clark, meanwhile, missed a combined 22 of 31 shots from the field.
Still, even without those two playing captivating basketball, it appears the Wings and Fever under the same roof is becoming a must-attend rivalry. Among the notables on hand Thursday night: Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks star Cooper Flagg and NBA Hall of Famer Tracy McGrady. Even WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert made an appearance, chatting up Cuban between the third and fourth quarters.
#bueckers #clark
2 months ago
Indiana Fever guard sparked nationwide conversation and debate, and also reached unprecedented levels of celebrity, after her comments on transgender athletes participating in women's sports.
"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that,'" she told ESPN in a July profile. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Recently, Cunningham spoke about how she plans on continuing to voice her opinion, but also wants some of the focus to remain on the high-level basketball being played every night in the WNBA.
"People are like, 'You have a platform. Use it,' and then once you use it, it's like, 'Go back to playing basketball.' I think the reason why I stated that is because you go into media, and it's not anything even about basketball," she told USA Today. "I think I could do both," she said. "Ask me about what's going on and what I said. And also ask me how great my teammates are doing, how great our team is doing, how great the league is doing. We can be a great example of how to do both."
Cunningham also addressed the league potentially needing to move on from commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
#great #like #cunningham
"I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I'm like, 'I never once said that,'" she told ESPN in a July profile. "I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn't have to go against biological men."
Recently, Cunningham spoke about how she plans on continuing to voice her opinion, but also wants some of the focus to remain on the high-level basketball being played every night in the WNBA.
"People are like, 'You have a platform. Use it,' and then once you use it, it's like, 'Go back to playing basketball.' I think the reason why I stated that is because you go into media, and it's not anything even about basketball," she told USA Today. "I think I could do both," she said. "Ask me about what's going on and what I said. And also ask me how great my teammates are doing, how great our team is doing, how great the league is doing. We can be a great example of how to do both."
Cunningham also addressed the league potentially needing to move on from commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
#great #like #cunningham
2 months ago
Sophie Cunningham has recently been discussing the future of Cathy Engelbert as the WNBA commissioner.
Engelbert has been commissioner since 2019, but her contract with the league is thought to be up after the 2026 season.
Now, Cunningham has hinted that we could see someone else in that role moving forward.
The Indiana Fever star suggested that Engelbert's role could 'maybe open at the end of the year', before adding 'that's up to Adam Silver at the end of the day'.
It remains to be seen exactly what the future holds for Engelbert, but she was asked about still being in charge come 2027 in an interview last month.
#cunningham
Engelbert has been commissioner since 2019, but her contract with the league is thought to be up after the 2026 season.
Now, Cunningham has hinted that we could see someone else in that role moving forward.
The Indiana Fever star suggested that Engelbert's role could 'maybe open at the end of the year', before adding 'that's up to Adam Silver at the end of the day'.
It remains to be seen exactly what the future holds for Engelbert, but she was asked about still being in charge come 2027 in an interview last month.
#cunningham
2 months ago
With former MVP Nneka Ogwumike announcing her retirement following the 2026 WNBA season, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has spoken about her incredible career.
Once she retires following the 2026 WNBA season, fans will be able to truly appreciate Nneka Ogwumike's impact on women's basketball as well as the league.
Following the 36-year-old's announcement on Wednesday, there was an outpouring of appreciation and tributes from the WNBA world for the former champion.
The first overall draft pick in 2012, Ogwumike has enjoyed an exceptional career. And with her peers showing her love, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert wasn't far behind.
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images
#engelbert
Once she retires following the 2026 WNBA season, fans will be able to truly appreciate Nneka Ogwumike's impact on women's basketball as well as the league.
Following the 36-year-old's announcement on Wednesday, there was an outpouring of appreciation and tributes from the WNBA world for the former champion.
The first overall draft pick in 2012, Ogwumike has enjoyed an exceptional career. And with her peers showing her love, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert wasn't far behind.
Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images
#engelbert
2 months ago
The 2027 WNBA All-Star Game belongs to the West Coast.
The Golden State Valkyries and the San Francisco Bay Area will host of next year's event. WNBA All-Star weekend activities include the Shooting Stars competition and 3-point contest on July 30, 2027, and WNBA All-Star Game on July 31, 2027. Chase Center will host both days of activities.
"We are thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said via release. "The Golden State Valkyries have brought incredible energy and excitement to theWNBA from the moment they were announced as an expansion team in 2023, and the response from fans acrossthe Bay Area has been remarkable. Valkyries fans have embraced this team with an extraordinary level of passionand enthusiasm, and we can't wait to see that energy on full display for an unforgettable All-Star weekend nextsummer."
The Valkyries claimed a playoff spot for the second consecutive season on Monday.
"Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star in only our third season is an incredible honor and a reflection of everything thisfan base, this region, and this organization have built together," Valkyries president Jess Smith said."From Day 1, the Bay Area has shown up for this team in a way that's redefined what's possible in women'sbasketball, and we can't wait to put that same energy on display for the entire league next summer."
#team #game #golden #francisco
The Golden State Valkyries and the San Francisco Bay Area will host of next year's event. WNBA All-Star weekend activities include the Shooting Stars competition and 3-point contest on July 30, 2027, and WNBA All-Star Game on July 31, 2027. Chase Center will host both days of activities.
"We are thrilled to bring AT&T WNBA All-Star to the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said via release. "The Golden State Valkyries have brought incredible energy and excitement to theWNBA from the moment they were announced as an expansion team in 2023, and the response from fans acrossthe Bay Area has been remarkable. Valkyries fans have embraced this team with an extraordinary level of passionand enthusiasm, and we can't wait to see that energy on full display for an unforgettable All-Star weekend nextsummer."
The Valkyries claimed a playoff spot for the second consecutive season on Monday.
"Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star in only our third season is an incredible honor and a reflection of everything thisfan base, this region, and this organization have built together," Valkyries president Jess Smith said."From Day 1, the Bay Area has shown up for this team in a way that's redefined what's possible in women'sbasketball, and we can't wait to put that same energy on display for the entire league next summer."
#team #game #golden #francisco
2 months ago
(Photo Courtesy of Maryland Athletics)
ILWomen is proud to announce the Nike Lacrosse/ILWomen Freshman Rankings.
This list of 100 represents the final ranking for the high school Class of 2026 as they arrive on college campuses.
Cayden Reese (Maryvale, Md.) keeps her crown as the top-ranked player in the class, as she has been throughout the entire recruiting cycle. She leads a stellar class headed to College Park, where she will play for her mom, Cathy Reese. Reese's future college teammate (and longtime club teammate) Kit Laake is No. 3 in the Freshman Rankings.
Reese's accolades have been impressive for years. She led Maryvale to the Q-Collar Girls National No. 1 Ranking with 60 goals, 35 ****** ists and 40 draw controls, earning Senior All-America Game recognition.
#college #ilwomen
ILWomen is proud to announce the Nike Lacrosse/ILWomen Freshman Rankings.
This list of 100 represents the final ranking for the high school Class of 2026 as they arrive on college campuses.
Cayden Reese (Maryvale, Md.) keeps her crown as the top-ranked player in the class, as she has been throughout the entire recruiting cycle. She leads a stellar class headed to College Park, where she will play for her mom, Cathy Reese. Reese's future college teammate (and longtime club teammate) Kit Laake is No. 3 in the Freshman Rankings.
Reese's accolades have been impressive for years. She led Maryvale to the Q-Collar Girls National No. 1 Ranking with 60 goals, 35 ****** ists and 40 draw controls, earning Senior All-America Game recognition.
#college #ilwomen
2 months ago
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Berkshire Hathaway's new CEO Greg Abel spent a significant chunk of the company's massive pile of cash as it invested $10 billion in Google's parent company and repurchased about $4.5 billion of its shares.
The conglomerate that legendary investor Warren Buffett built reported its second-quarter earnings Saturday morning and disclosed that its cash holdings had shrunk to $365.5 billion from nearly $400 billion at the end of March.
Berkshire's report suggested that it had added more than $21 billion worth of commercial, industrial and other stocks to its portfolio, but the earnings report doesn't name the stocks it bought. That won't be revealed until a separate filing later this month.
Abel took over as CEO in January when Buffett retired after six decades leading the company. But Buffett remains chairman.
CFRA Research ***** yst Cathy Seifert said investors should be encouraged by the amount of shares Berkshire's repurchased although Geico's performance was a concern because its underwriting profits fell 45% and lagged far behind other big auto insurers.
#abel #repurchased #stocks
The conglomerate that legendary investor Warren Buffett built reported its second-quarter earnings Saturday morning and disclosed that its cash holdings had shrunk to $365.5 billion from nearly $400 billion at the end of March.
Berkshire's report suggested that it had added more than $21 billion worth of commercial, industrial and other stocks to its portfolio, but the earnings report doesn't name the stocks it bought. That won't be revealed until a separate filing later this month.
Abel took over as CEO in January when Buffett retired after six decades leading the company. But Buffett remains chairman.
CFRA Research ***** yst Cathy Seifert said investors should be encouraged by the amount of shares Berkshire's repurchased although Geico's performance was a concern because its underwriting profits fell 45% and lagged far behind other big auto insurers.
#abel #repurchased #stocks
2 months ago
In a memo sent to team presidents, general managers and coaches Friday, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert advised the league's leaders on their approach to the topic of transgender participation in women's sports. The commissioner stressed approaching it with integrity and respect, without specifically defining the league's stance.
The issue has dominated conversation around the WNBA in the wake of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham's recent comments in favor of excluding trans athletes from women's sports.
Engelbert listed three guiding principles for the league in the discussion but did not clarify whether or not trans athletes are allowed to play in the WNBA.
"First, we will always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the long-standing values of our league," she wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic. "Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league's highest priorities."
There is no mention of trans athletes in the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement, although the document does state that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA."
#integrity
The issue has dominated conversation around the WNBA in the wake of Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham's recent comments in favor of excluding trans athletes from women's sports.
Engelbert listed three guiding principles for the league in the discussion but did not clarify whether or not trans athletes are allowed to play in the WNBA.
"First, we will always approach this topic thoughtfully, respectfully, and in alignment with the long-standing values of our league," she wrote in the memo, a copy of which was obtained by The Athletic. "Second, our player eligibility rules, unlike the eligibility rules of some other leagues and governing bodies, are collectively bargained. Lastly, preserving the integrity of our game and ensuring fair competition will always remain among the league's highest priorities."
There is no mention of trans athletes in the WNBA's collective bargaining agreement, although the document does state that "only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA."
#integrity
2 months ago
Dave Portnoy has urged Caitlin Clark to 'start your own league' after her latest WNBA controversy.
The Indiana Fever star picked up her eighth technical foul of the season, which now leaves her facing a suspension.
That incident came during a win over the Chicago Sky, where Clark was penalised after making contact with an official.
Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Portnoy posted on social media: 'Hey CaitlinClark22 just go start your own league already. Sick league CathyEngelbert.'
#league #caitlin #fever #Chicago
The Indiana Fever star picked up her eighth technical foul of the season, which now leaves her facing a suspension.
That incident came during a win over the Chicago Sky, where Clark was penalised after making contact with an official.
Photo by Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Portnoy posted on social media: 'Hey CaitlinClark22 just go start your own league already. Sick league CathyEngelbert.'
#league #caitlin #fever #Chicago
2 months ago
WNBA All-Star Weekend is nearly two weeks in the rearview, but the virality of the StudBudz's 72-hour Twitch stream knows no bounds. Last year, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert was caught dancing to "Knuck If You Buck," and Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve jokingly blamed AI for her viral dancing clip.
This year, ESPN's Holly Rowe produced the WNBA All-Star clip that will endure.
Rowe was on her usual sideline duty for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago on July 25. The Emmy-winning reporter went viral during the game for a walk-and-talk interview gone wrong with Olivia Miles. After the game, she went viral again for dancing to Sheck Wes' "Mo Bamba" in the club.
"You know who was on the stream, though? Your girl, Holly!" Indiana Fever All-Star Aliyah Boston said the latest episode of the Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston podcast. "Big Holly! Big Holly!"
Boston mimicked Rowe's dance moves, while Parker hit the stank face in approval.
#dancing
This year, ESPN's Holly Rowe produced the WNBA All-Star clip that will endure.
Rowe was on her usual sideline duty for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game at the United Center in Chicago on July 25. The Emmy-winning reporter went viral during the game for a walk-and-talk interview gone wrong with Olivia Miles. After the game, she went viral again for dancing to Sheck Wes' "Mo Bamba" in the club.
"You know who was on the stream, though? Your girl, Holly!" Indiana Fever All-Star Aliyah Boston said the latest episode of the Post Moves with Candace Parker & Aliyah Boston podcast. "Big Holly! Big Holly!"
Boston mimicked Rowe's dance moves, while Parker hit the stank face in approval.
#dancing
2 months ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JULY 25: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the media during a press conference prior to the 2026 AT&T WNBA All-Star Game between Team Coop and Team Spoon at the United Center on July 25, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sage Zipeto/Getty Images)
Amid the excitement of the 2026 WNBA All-Star celebrations, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the launch of a Replay Center beginning with the 2027 season, a move intended to address concerns about officiating and on-court safety raised by players, coaches and fans.
"This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations," said Engelbert during the All-Star pregame press conference on Saturday. "This investment of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process, while continuing to improve the quality of the game."
Engelbert shared few details about the project but said that the WNBA will center operations alongside the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J., where officials will have access to additional camera angles and replay footage to help them make better-informed decisions.
Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike welcomed the move, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the relationship between players and the league.
#user
Amid the excitement of the 2026 WNBA All-Star celebrations, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the launch of a Replay Center beginning with the 2027 season, a move intended to address concerns about officiating and on-court safety raised by players, coaches and fans.
"This is one of the most significant investments we've ever made in our basketball operations," said Engelbert during the All-Star pregame press conference on Saturday. "This investment of tens of millions of dollars will help bring greater consistency, efficiency, and transparency to our officiating process, while continuing to improve the quality of the game."
Engelbert shared few details about the project but said that the WNBA will center operations alongside the NBA Replay Center in Secaucus, N.J., where officials will have access to additional camera angles and replay footage to help them make better-informed decisions.
Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike welcomed the move, emphasizing the positive impact it can have on the relationship between players and the league.
#user
3 months ago
CHICAGO ― Player safety, particularly safety from online abuse, has become a dominant topic for the WNBA in the weeks leading up to the 2026 All-Star weekend. Many players understand it's important, but admit there isn't a simple solution.
"It gets harder in this day and age with social media because ... it's hard to censor what people say or protect players in that way when we all have social media. Everybody has access to our pages, DMs, whatever it is," Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron told USA TODAY.
"And with betting and everything, it's obviously gotten worse with the parlays and all that, but I think that's just something that we as players can try to ... just be super intentional about what we're looking at. It's still important to have conversations about how we can make it better."
On Tuesday, commissioner Cathy Engelbert and leadership from the Women's National Basketball Players **** ociation (WNBPA) met "for an honest and meaningful conversation about the recent increase in racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players," according to a statement from the league.
The meeting came in the wake of incidents that shed light on the issue.
#safety #Media
"It gets harder in this day and age with social media because ... it's hard to censor what people say or protect players in that way when we all have social media. Everybody has access to our pages, DMs, whatever it is," Washington Mystics guard Sonia Citron told USA TODAY.
"And with betting and everything, it's obviously gotten worse with the parlays and all that, but I think that's just something that we as players can try to ... just be super intentional about what we're looking at. It's still important to have conversations about how we can make it better."
On Tuesday, commissioner Cathy Engelbert and leadership from the Women's National Basketball Players **** ociation (WNBPA) met "for an honest and meaningful conversation about the recent increase in racist, hateful, and abusive messages directed at players," according to a statement from the league.
The meeting came in the wake of incidents that shed light on the issue.
#safety #Media
3 months ago
From Caitlin Clark's complaining to Cathy Engelbert controversies, 11 reasons that show why WNBA is own worst enemy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The WNBA has every reason to be thriving at the moment, and in some ways, it is.
The talent pool is strong, with collegiate stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more going head-to-head with standout veterans. The league has a historic rookie in Minnesota's Olivia Miles, and Aces star A'ja Wilson is making the case that she is the most dominant player of all-time as she takes aim at another MVP award.
Headlines that often have little to do with basketball have dominated the conversation around the league, however. Some of that is by design, as many players are outwardly political, but what's rubbing some fans the wrong way goes well beyond that.
All that's holding back the WNBA at this point might be the WNBA itself.
#clark
The WNBA has every reason to be thriving at the moment, and in some ways, it is.
The talent pool is strong, with collegiate stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and more going head-to-head with standout veterans. The league has a historic rookie in Minnesota's Olivia Miles, and Aces star A'ja Wilson is making the case that she is the most dominant player of all-time as she takes aim at another MVP award.
Headlines that often have little to do with basketball have dominated the conversation around the league, however. Some of that is by design, as many players are outwardly political, but what's rubbing some fans the wrong way goes well beyond that.
All that's holding back the WNBA at this point might be the WNBA itself.
#clark
3 months ago
NEW YORK — The boos were deafening.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was at center court inside Barclays Center. The New York Liberty had just beaten the Las Vegas Aces in the in-season tournament named after her job **** le, and as she took the mic to congratulate the team and announce the MVP, her voice was drowned out almost entirely.
It wasn’t the first time Engelbert was greeted with this level of public disdain. Over the last 12 months, the reception Engelbert has received has grown increasingly hostile, dating back to last year’s All-Star game in Indianapolis, when fans chanted “pay them” as she attempted to deliver her post-game speech. She was heckled again during the 2025 WNBA Finals trophy ceremony.
Since becoming commissioner in 2019, Engelbert has led the WNBA into its most successful era. She brokered two transformational collective bargaining agreements, guided the league through an unprecedented pandemic season in 2020, and helped facilitate the sale of the Atlanta Dream from an owner, Kelly Loeffler, who opposed the league’s public support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The growth of the league has been astronomical — a new media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion at the time has grown to $3 billion, according to reports. The league has expanded to 15 teams and will reach 18 by 2030, with expansion fees that have lined the pockets of the existing owners. Record-breaking viewership and attendance have led to historic revenue targets.
#engelbert #league #york #commissioner
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was at center court inside Barclays Center. The New York Liberty had just beaten the Las Vegas Aces in the in-season tournament named after her job **** le, and as she took the mic to congratulate the team and announce the MVP, her voice was drowned out almost entirely.
It wasn’t the first time Engelbert was greeted with this level of public disdain. Over the last 12 months, the reception Engelbert has received has grown increasingly hostile, dating back to last year’s All-Star game in Indianapolis, when fans chanted “pay them” as she attempted to deliver her post-game speech. She was heckled again during the 2025 WNBA Finals trophy ceremony.
Since becoming commissioner in 2019, Engelbert has led the WNBA into its most successful era. She brokered two transformational collective bargaining agreements, guided the league through an unprecedented pandemic season in 2020, and helped facilitate the sale of the Atlanta Dream from an owner, Kelly Loeffler, who opposed the league’s public support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
The growth of the league has been astronomical — a new media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion at the time has grown to $3 billion, according to reports. The league has expanded to 15 teams and will reach 18 by 2030, with expansion fees that have lined the pockets of the existing owners. Record-breaking viewership and attendance have led to historic revenue targets.
#engelbert #league #york #commissioner
3 months ago
US sportswear retailer Nike will bar major wholesale partners in China from selling its products online from January, shifting sales to its own branded storefronts instead.
The change means most of Nike's 16 store partners in China, which together own and operate thousands of Nike outlets, will stop selling online and shift entirely to in-store retail.
"Our marketplace has become so fragmented and cluttered. What consumers want is an experience that's premium, true to the brand, trustworthy, and certainly connected between digital and physical", Cathy Sparks, vice-president and Greater China general manager at Nike told Reuters.
Sales will instead be redirected to Nike-branded storefronts on Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, as well as its own website and app.
According to the company, the move aims to reduce marketplace fragmentation, restore consumer confidence, and back full-price sales.
#partners #selling #branded
The change means most of Nike's 16 store partners in China, which together own and operate thousands of Nike outlets, will stop selling online and shift entirely to in-store retail.
"Our marketplace has become so fragmented and cluttered. What consumers want is an experience that's premium, true to the brand, trustworthy, and certainly connected between digital and physical", Cathy Sparks, vice-president and Greater China general manager at Nike told Reuters.
Sales will instead be redirected to Nike-branded storefronts on Tmall, JD.com and Douyin, as well as its own website and app.
According to the company, the move aims to reduce marketplace fragmentation, restore consumer confidence, and back full-price sales.
#partners #selling #branded
3 months ago
The treatment of Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark from the WNBA and its players has been a huge topic in recent weeks, and even college basketball icon ******* Vitale is weighing in on the subject.
Vitale, a legendary and longtime college basketball announcer for ESPN, posted to X that the treatment of Clark “by many in the WNBA” is “really sad.”
“She deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!” Vitale wrote about Clark on the X post.
“It is really sad the way [Clark] is treated by many in the [WNBA] she has been the leader for the league in many ways – PR – tv interest etc come on those that are critical – she deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!”
In a follow-up post to X, Vitale wrote that it’s “unbelievable what [Clark] goes through,” and he added that “the [WNBA] leader does zilch,” seemingly referring to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
Vitale, a legendary and longtime college basketball announcer for ESPN, posted to X that the treatment of Clark “by many in the WNBA” is “really sad.”
“She deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!” Vitale wrote about Clark on the X post.
“It is really sad the way [Clark] is treated by many in the [WNBA] she has been the leader for the league in many ways – PR – tv interest etc come on those that are critical – she deserves to be treated like ROYALTY!”
In a follow-up post to X, Vitale wrote that it’s “unbelievable what [Clark] goes through,” and he added that “the [WNBA] leader does zilch,” seemingly referring to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
3 months ago
CNN's Abby Phillip called out Republican outrage over "attacks" against Caitlin Clark as "seemingly" being fueled by the simple fact that Clark is white.
On Saturday's Table for Five, Phillip and her panelists discussed Republican lawmakers sending a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in which they demanded protection for Clark from possible "racially motivated" attacks.
Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) shared the letter on X, which was signed by a total of 11 Republican lawmakers.
"I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women's sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics," he wrote. "I'm putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law."
Sports broadcaster Cari Champion dismissed the lawmakers and accused them of being ignorant of the game, calling the "bullying" on the court a "rite of passage:"
On Saturday's Table for Five, Phillip and her panelists discussed Republican lawmakers sending a letter to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, in which they demanded protection for Clark from possible "racially motivated" attacks.
Rep. August Pfluger (R-TX) shared the letter on X, which was signed by a total of 11 Republican lawmakers.
"I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women's sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics," he wrote. "I'm putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law."
Sports broadcaster Cari Champion dismissed the lawmakers and accused them of being ignorant of the game, calling the "bullying" on the court a "rite of passage:"
3 months ago
As of late, the WNBA discourse has largely centered around Indiana Fever point guard Caitlin Clark and the way that she is refereed and the physical way that her opponents play her. The conversation reached new heights after Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas struck her in the throat area.
Things have even reached Washington, D.C., where several Republican members of Congress penned a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert about what they deemed to be "repeated" acts of violence against Caitlin Clark and even posited that it could be racially motivated.
The Fever organization moved quickly to distance itself from the letter, releasing a statement that neither it nor Clark had any knowledge of the letter or contact with the members of Congress.
However, the damage was done, and it led to more discourse on social media that had nothing to do with the actual basketball being played on the floor. As much of an economic engine as she has been for the WNBA, some think all the negativity that has come with Clark's presence has been a net negative on the league.
"Caitlin Clark dead ***** might be the worst thing to happen to the WNBA. And she ain't got the self awareness or care to tell her fans to stop," one fan posted on X.
Things have even reached Washington, D.C., where several Republican members of Congress penned a letter to WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert about what they deemed to be "repeated" acts of violence against Caitlin Clark and even posited that it could be racially motivated.
The Fever organization moved quickly to distance itself from the letter, releasing a statement that neither it nor Clark had any knowledge of the letter or contact with the members of Congress.
However, the damage was done, and it led to more discourse on social media that had nothing to do with the actual basketball being played on the floor. As much of an economic engine as she has been for the WNBA, some think all the negativity that has come with Clark's presence has been a net negative on the league.
"Caitlin Clark dead ***** might be the worst thing to happen to the WNBA. And she ain't got the self awareness or care to tell her fans to stop," one fan posted on X.
3 months ago
Erica Denhoff/AP
Texas Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) shared a letter he appears to have sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to demand “accountability” from the league in response to “multiple attacks” against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
“I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women’s sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics,” Pfluger wrote on X. “I’m putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law.”
Mediaite has reached out to the WNBA for comment.
In his letter, Pfluger describes Clark as “the face of your league” and notes she has “significantly increased fan interest, driven record television ratings, and attracted new corporate sponsors for the WNBA.” There are millions of people who watch Indiana Fever games to see Clark, he insisted. “Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive competition, but repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence.”
Texas Congressman August Pfluger (R-TX) shared a letter he appears to have sent to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to demand “accountability” from the league in response to “multiple attacks” against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.
“I led my colleagues in demanding accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark, a player who is transforming women’s sports and inspiring a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics,” Pfluger wrote on X. “I’m putting the league on notice that if it keeps letting the violent targeting slide, they could find themselves facing a DOJ and EEOC crackdown for violating federal civil rights law.”
Mediaite has reached out to the WNBA for comment.
In his letter, Pfluger describes Clark as “the face of your league” and notes she has “significantly increased fan interest, driven record television ratings, and attracted new corporate sponsors for the WNBA.” There are millions of people who watch Indiana Fever games to see Clark, he insisted. “Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive competition, but repeated acts of unnecessary physical hostility and violence.”
3 months ago
The WNBA will host several All-Star weekend activities at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago later this month, becoming the first professional sports league to christen the newly opened venue.
According to a WNBA news release, several of the All-Star break’s premier events — including media day and team practice — will be held July 24 at the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic building. The center will also host Jr. WNBA Day, a day of athletic programming geared toward Chicago’s youth, and WNBA Changemaker Day, a community-centered leadership event that highlights a collaboration among the Chicago Sky, Obama Foundation and other local and corporate sponsors.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
The center, which honors Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, sits on just over 19 acres of the iconic Jackson Park, making it one of two host sites for All-Star activities on Chicago’s South Side. The 3-point contest and skills challenge will take place at Wintrust Arena, home of the Sky, in the South Loop area July 24. Although the All-Star Game itself will tip off at the United Center on July 25, the downtown arena where the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks play, the weekend’s marquee events will be held at different locations to bring the WNBA to more fans — and fans-to-be.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said in a statement. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.”
According to a WNBA news release, several of the All-Star break’s premier events — including media day and team practice — will be held July 24 at the center’s 60,000-square-foot athletic building. The center will also host Jr. WNBA Day, a day of athletic programming geared toward Chicago’s youth, and WNBA Changemaker Day, a community-centered leadership event that highlights a collaboration among the Chicago Sky, Obama Foundation and other local and corporate sponsors.
“Hosting AT&T WNBA All-Star events at the Obama Presidential Center is a true honor and reflects our commitment to creating connection through basketball and engaging communities in meaningful ways,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. “We’re excited to bring together the WNBA family and the greater Chicago community to create memorable experiences at this historic new venue.”
The center, which honors Barack Obama, the 44th president of the United States, sits on just over 19 acres of the iconic Jackson Park, making it one of two host sites for All-Star activities on Chicago’s South Side. The 3-point contest and skills challenge will take place at Wintrust Arena, home of the Sky, in the South Loop area July 24. Although the All-Star Game itself will tip off at the United Center on July 25, the downtown arena where the Chicago Bulls and Chicago Blackhawks play, the weekend’s marquee events will be held at different locations to bring the WNBA to more fans — and fans-to-be.
“We are thrilled to welcome the WNBA as our first professional sports league hosted at the Obama Presidential Center,” Valerie Jarrett, CEO of the Obama Foundation, said in a statement. “At the Center, we believe sports have the power to bring people together and create meaningful opportunities to build the next generation of leaders.”
