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May 17, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the fans prior to the game between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

'No Losing Team Doesn’t Complain About Officiating': WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Jabs At League’s Losing Teams Complaining About Bad Referee Calls

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 11:05 AM ET

When the chatter over WNBA officiating gets loud, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert isn’t here for the noise. At a recent press session, she labeled the pattern loud and clear: “no winning team ever complains about officiating; no losing team ever doesn’t complain about officiating.” She followed it up by acknowledging that refs are human, evaluated, trained, and given room to grow. But the tone? Unapologetically firm.

WNBA fans know this drama—officiating gets blamed, games get questioned, but Engelbert wants accountability first, not blame.

We’re beyond chatter at this point; it’s now turned to a full-blown argument. Coaches are pointing fingers, fans are trending hashtags, and social feeds are burning up with referee critiques. Engelbert’s message? Don’t shoot the messenger until you’ve checked the footage and your own mistakes.

Of course, WNBA officials have their missteps. Players and teams will say certain calls changed momentum, and sometimes they have. But Commissioners like Engelbert rightly note that officials go through rigorous training and oversight before they ever step on a pro court.

By bringing this issue center stage, the WNBA is doubling down on its image. This is a league chasing big media deals and mainstream attention—whining about refs doesn’t paint them as professional.

Cathy Engelbert’s jabs aren’t harsh—they’re strategic. She’s officially flipping the narrative: if you lose, own the mistakes. The WNBA spotlight isn’t just on players shooting hoops—it’s on decision-makers shooting back.

Sep 11, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert gives an opening statement to the media prior to game one of the 2022 WNBA Finals at Michelob Ultra Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

And when the next whistle blows, the message is clear: tighter game, tighter focus. The WNBA has bigger goals than ref drama, and Engelbert wants everyone to remember that.

Collier Voices Frustrations: Talks to Cathy Engelbert About WNBA Ref Issues

Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier didn’t hold back—and made it clear she’s already flagged the WNBA boss personally about anchoring down on inconsistent calls. And yeah, it’s as real as it sounds.

“I don’t think it’s consistent; I think every player would say that,” Collier said bluntly. “I think it’s getting worse…It’s a conversation that I’ve tried to have with [Commissioner Cathy Engelbert] before…We have so many new eyes on us, and consistency is the biggest thing.”

That’s not locker-room whispers—Collier laid it out in the open, straight to the top. The WNBA has had high-profile tiffs (like the Sun‑Fever fracas), but now a star is openly demanding clarity, fairness, and accountability at the highest level.

Apr 15, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert presents the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

There’s no denying the optics: tighter scrutiny, bigger audiences, and legit stakes. Calls aren’t just affecting stats—they’re shaping narratives and careers. Collier pushing Cathy Engelbert on the topic isn’t just bold—it’s seismic.

If the WNBA wants to own its growth, the officiating story can’t stay soft. Collier just put it in the commissioner’s court—and the ball’s in Engelbert’s hands now.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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