4 days 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
7 days 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
7 days 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
7 days 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
17 days 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.
20 days 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:"
22 days 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.
23 days 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.”
23 days 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.”
23 days ago
An $850 million facility, the Obama Presidential Center opened less than a month ago on the South Side of Chicago as the public home of former President Barack Obama’s legacy.
One if the many features in the sparkling new venue is a 60,000-square foot athletic building called “Home Court.”
And, later this month, women’s basketball players are moving in.
The WNBA announced Wednesday it will be using the Obama Presidential Center for several events during its All-Star Weekend in Chicago, including practices and media day.
"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," WNBA 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."
One if the many features in the sparkling new venue is a 60,000-square foot athletic building called “Home Court.”
And, later this month, women’s basketball players are moving in.
The WNBA announced Wednesday it will be using the Obama Presidential Center for several events during its All-Star Weekend in Chicago, including practices and media day.
"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," WNBA 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."
30 days ago
Hoops 360 host Caroline Fenton and women's basketball writer Cassandra Negley react to the 2026 Commissioner's Cup Championship, where the New York Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces, 93-85. They break down standout performances from Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart and discuss how the game may have unfolded differently if A'ja Wilson hadn't been sidelined by injury.
The duo also unpacks the bigger picture of the Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark drama. Did Alyssa's comments calling out the league and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spark more controversy?
Plus, with WNBA All-Star Weekend just around the corner, Cass reveals her All-Star ballot and explains her picks, featuring stars like Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, and more.
01:09 - WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship breakdown: Liberty take down Aces, 93-85
14:46 - How has the Alyssa Thomas-Caitlin Clark drama escalated?
The duo also unpacks the bigger picture of the Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark drama. Did Alyssa's comments calling out the league and WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert spark more controversy?
Plus, with WNBA All-Star Weekend just around the corner, Cass reveals her All-Star ballot and explains her picks, featuring stars like Olivia Miles, Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, and more.
01:09 - WNBA Commissioner's Cup Championship breakdown: Liberty take down Aces, 93-85
14:46 - How has the Alyssa Thomas-Caitlin Clark drama escalated?
1 month ago
Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas called out the WNBA for its failure to protect players in the fallout of her one-game suspension for committing a flagrant foul on Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark last week.
Thomas said she has been sent death threats, received threats against her family and was called racial slurs online in the days since the incident. She also said addresses have been leaked.
“A lot of us, myself included, didn’t even know the play took place until after the game, and now we’re being painted as thugs and there’s death threats out on us, so it’s really unacceptable, it’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it,” Thomas said after the Mercury’s practice Tuesday.
Since her suspension, Thomas said she has not heard from league commissioner Cathy Engelbert despite the wave of social media hatred directed at Mercury players. However, a spokesperson for Engelbert said in an email to The Athletic on Tuesday that the commissioner had “exchanged texts and offered to get on a call with Alyssa Thomas last week.” The spokesperson also stated that upon hearing about the threats, Engelbert immediately directed league security to contact Phoenix’s security.
DeWanna Bonner, Thomas’s partner and fellow Mercury forward, said Thomas initiated a text to Engelbert last week, and although Engelbert mentioned meeting with Thomas, she did not reach back out to set up a meeting. Two days before the game that featured Thomas’ flagrant foul, Bonner and Clark starred in a skirmish that culminated in five players receiving technical fouls — including Clark.
Thomas said she has been sent death threats, received threats against her family and was called racial slurs online in the days since the incident. She also said addresses have been leaked.
“A lot of us, myself included, didn’t even know the play took place until after the game, and now we’re being painted as thugs and there’s death threats out on us, so it’s really unacceptable, it’s something that needs to change in this league, and I’m just really sick and tired of it,” Thomas said after the Mercury’s practice Tuesday.
Since her suspension, Thomas said she has not heard from league commissioner Cathy Engelbert despite the wave of social media hatred directed at Mercury players. However, a spokesperson for Engelbert said in an email to The Athletic on Tuesday that the commissioner had “exchanged texts and offered to get on a call with Alyssa Thomas last week.” The spokesperson also stated that upon hearing about the threats, Engelbert immediately directed league security to contact Phoenix’s security.
DeWanna Bonner, Thomas’s partner and fellow Mercury forward, said Thomas initiated a text to Engelbert last week, and although Engelbert mentioned meeting with Thomas, she did not reach back out to set up a meeting. Two days before the game that featured Thomas’ flagrant foul, Bonner and Clark starred in a skirmish that culminated in five players receiving technical fouls — including Clark.
1 month ago
PHOENIX — Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas is calling on the WNBA and commissioner Cathy Engelbert to take action after she was on the receiving end of death threats and online abuse following her suspension.
The WNBA handed Thomas a one-game suspension for "recklessly" making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during the Phoenix Mercury's 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on June 24. Thomas said the league failed to reach out to her about the suspension or in the aftermath of the on-court incident.
"We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy (Engelbert). It's no surprise," Thomas said after practice on Tuesday, June 30. "You can see what's being said on social media ... but as usual, she remains silent and that's unfortunate when our lives are being threatened. ... The league has to do better."
Following Thomas' comments, Engelbert issued a statement that says the league "vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate."
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority," Engelbert said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
The WNBA handed Thomas a one-game suspension for "recklessly" making contact with Caitlin Clark's throat during the Phoenix Mercury's 111-109 win over the Indiana Fever on June 24. Thomas said the league failed to reach out to her about the suspension or in the aftermath of the on-court incident.
"We still have yet to hear anything from Cathy (Engelbert). It's no surprise," Thomas said after practice on Tuesday, June 30. "You can see what's being said on social media ... but as usual, she remains silent and that's unfortunate when our lives are being threatened. ... The league has to do better."
Following Thomas' comments, Engelbert issued a statement that says the league "vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate."
“The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority," Engelbert said in a statement Tuesday afternoon. "We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
1 month ago
Since Caitlin Clark entered the pros and helped generate a massive surge in interest and investment in the WNBA, famed sports reporter Christine Brennan has been one of Clark’s fiercest advocates in the media, even writing a biography of her last year.
But Brennan has also frustrated players around the league with her fixation on Clark and occasionally drawn the ire of her colleagues in journalism for exaggerating Clark’s centrality to certain stories.
After Brennan got into a personal disagreement with players on the Connecticut Sun around Clark’s matchup with the team in the 2024 postseason, veteran commentator Sarah Spain invited Brennan onto her podcast for a discussion. In the interview, Brennan defended her record of women’s sports coverage as pioneering in the industry and said too much was being made of her coverage of Clark.
Coming off another hectic week that ended with a one-game suspension for Phoenix center Alyssa Thomas for striking Clark in the throat during a loose-ball situation on Wednesday night, Brennan tapped into some familiar talking points in a column about the incident. The columnist argued in USA Today that commissioner Cathy Engelbert has failed to “give Clark her due and keep her safe,” while claiming, as evidence of Clark’s need for such treatment, the fact that Brennan used to get “laughed at” during the early days of the WNBA when she would bring it up to male colleagues.
In a video posted to LinkedIn on Monday, Spain offered a scathing rebuttal, essentially repeating a line from their previous podcast discussion, accusing Brennan of “dereliction of duties as a journalist.”
But Brennan has also frustrated players around the league with her fixation on Clark and occasionally drawn the ire of her colleagues in journalism for exaggerating Clark’s centrality to certain stories.
After Brennan got into a personal disagreement with players on the Connecticut Sun around Clark’s matchup with the team in the 2024 postseason, veteran commentator Sarah Spain invited Brennan onto her podcast for a discussion. In the interview, Brennan defended her record of women’s sports coverage as pioneering in the industry and said too much was being made of her coverage of Clark.
Coming off another hectic week that ended with a one-game suspension for Phoenix center Alyssa Thomas for striking Clark in the throat during a loose-ball situation on Wednesday night, Brennan tapped into some familiar talking points in a column about the incident. The columnist argued in USA Today that commissioner Cathy Engelbert has failed to “give Clark her due and keep her safe,” while claiming, as evidence of Clark’s need for such treatment, the fact that Brennan used to get “laughed at” during the early days of the WNBA when she would bring it up to male colleagues.
In a video posted to LinkedIn on Monday, Spain offered a scathing rebuttal, essentially repeating a line from their previous podcast discussion, accusing Brennan of “dereliction of duties as a journalist.”
1 month ago
The WNBA announced on Wednesday it will be expanding the WNBA season to 50 games and Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham has shared her thoughts on the decision.
The expansion, which adds six more games to the season, will go into effect for the 2027 campaign. More details will be released at a later time.
This is just the latest increase for the league, which began with a 32-game season when the WNBA began its first season in 1997.
“Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA.”
MORE: Caitlin Clark suffers major drop in WNBA All-Star voting
The expansion, which adds six more games to the season, will go into effect for the 2027 campaign. More details will be released at a later time.
This is just the latest increase for the league, which began with a 32-game season when the WNBA began its first season in 1997.
“Demand for the WNBA has never been greater, and expanding to a 50-game regular season reflects the extraordinary momentum we are seeing across the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “This move reflects our commitment to growing the game and creating more opportunities for fans to watch the best players in the world and experience the extraordinary talent and competition that define the WNBA.”
MORE: Caitlin Clark suffers major drop in WNBA All-Star voting
1 month ago
PHOENIX — When Becky Hammon first took over as the head coach of the Las Vegas Aces in 2022, the WNBA regular season consisted of 36 games. In 2027, the number of regular season games will expand to 50.
"We just keep tacking on games," Hammon said on Wednesday ahead of the Aces' matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. "More money, more games. That's the way it works."
On Wednesday, the league announced its regular-season schedule will expand from 44 games to 50 games in 2027 as "demand for the WNBA has never been greater," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. Additional details about the 2027 season schedule, including key dates and timelines, will be released at a later date, which Hammon said she's interested to learn more about.
"We'll have to see if they allow even some more roster spots and stuff like that because that's a lot of wear and tear on a group, especially when you start mixing World Cup and all this other stuff," Hammon said, referring to the 2027 FIBA Women's AmeriCup tournament in El Salvador in July 2027. "It is good. I mean, it is what it is. It's the growth of the league and so when you look at it at, that lens, it's good."
More: WNBA expansion soars with historic 50-game season in 2027
"We just keep tacking on games," Hammon said on Wednesday ahead of the Aces' matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. "More money, more games. That's the way it works."
On Wednesday, the league announced its regular-season schedule will expand from 44 games to 50 games in 2027 as "demand for the WNBA has never been greater," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement. Additional details about the 2027 season schedule, including key dates and timelines, will be released at a later date, which Hammon said she's interested to learn more about.
"We'll have to see if they allow even some more roster spots and stuff like that because that's a lot of wear and tear on a group, especially when you start mixing World Cup and all this other stuff," Hammon said, referring to the 2027 FIBA Women's AmeriCup tournament in El Salvador in July 2027. "It is good. I mean, it is what it is. It's the growth of the league and so when you look at it at, that lens, it's good."
More: WNBA expansion soars with historic 50-game season in 2027
