The WNBA is no stranger to rivalries that fuel viewership and fan engagement, but when WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert likened the Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry to the legendary Magic Johnson-Larry Bird dynamic, the response from league players was swift and critical. While Engelbert’s intention might have been to highlight the growing attention around women’s basketball, her remarks sparked backlash from some of the WNBA’s biggest stars, igniting debates about race, respect, and the responsibilities of league leadership.
The Catalyst: Engelbert’s Comments on CNBC
During an appearance on CNBC’s “Power Lunch,” Engelbert addressed the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, two of the most talked-about talents in women’s basketball today. When asked how the league manages the negativity that sometimes accompanies this rivalry, especially given the racially charged discourse that has surfaced online, Engelbert opted to focus on the rivalry’s marketing potential. She noted the increased interest and support from corporate partners, drawing a parallel to the historic Bird-Johnson rivalry that elevated the NBA in the late 1970s.
“You need rivalry,” Engelbert stated. “That’s what makes people watch. They don’t want everybody being nice to each other. It’s a balance, but we’re seeing corporate partners stepping up, supporting these athletes in ways they weren’t five years ago.”
Player Reactions: A Missed Opportunity
While Engelbert may have aimed to cast the rivalry in a positive light, her comments failed to resonate with many WNBA players, particularly Black athletes, who felt that the commissioner glossed over the more serious issues at hand—namely, the racial undertones and public scrutiny that have accompanied the Clark-Reese rivalry.
Connecticut Sun guard DiJonai Carrington was among the first to voice her disappointment. “It was eye-opening because of what we’ve experienced this season,” Carrington stated. “Some of it has been pretty sickening, and it should have been called out.” Carrington argued that Engelbert had a golden opportunity to address racism directly, yet she chose to sidestep the issue in favor of marketing speak.
New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart echoed Carrington’s concerns, labeling Engelbert’s comments as “disappointing.” Three-time WNBA champion Chelsea Gray went a step further, criticizing the commissioner for failing to focus on the experiences of the majority of WNBA players, who are Black women. “There’s a responsibility when you’re in that position to address things head-on,” Gray remarked. “It’s not enough to brush it aside.”
A Flawed Analogy?
Engelbert’s comparison of the Clark-Reese rivalry to that of Bird and Johnson further stirred the pot. While the Bird-Johnson rivalry is often credited with rejuvenating the NBA, some players and fans believe the analogy is flawed, failing to account for the unique challenges that female athletes—especially Black women—face both on and off the court. The rivalry between Clark and Reese, while thrilling and marketable, is also fraught with social complexities that differ significantly from those seen in the late 1970s and 1980s.
A Call for Greater Accountability
The commissioner’s comments have ignited a broader conversation within the league, prompting questions about whether the WNBA is doing enough to protect its players from the more harmful aspects of public scrutiny. While Engelbert emphasized the rivalry’s value for the league’s growth, players have made it clear that issues of race and respect should take precedence over marketing considerations.
The WNBA has undoubtedly seen increased viewership since Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entered the league, but the recent controversy underscores the need for thoughtful leadership that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of its players over potential profits. As the dialogue within the league continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether Engelbert will issue a further statement to clarify her stance.
One thing is certain: the voices of the WNBA’s players are louder than ever, and they are demanding more from their leadership. The Clark-Reese rivalry may be the spark that brought more eyes to the game, but it is the ongoing fight for equity and respect that will ultimately define the league’s future.
