WNBA commissioner no-shows interview amid Caitlin Clark drama

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has drawn fresh criticism after no-showing a scheduled interview with broadcaster Dan Patrick amid growing scrutiny over the league’s handling of incidents involving Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark.

Patrick, broadcasting from the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in Lake Tahoe, Nevada—where Engelbert was also participating—had promoted the sit-down throughout the week. The interview was set for Thursday, with Engelbert initially agreeing to appear.

“I thought this was going to be a good thing for the WNBA because people still want answers here,” Patrick said. “There’s so many people who have an opinion, agendas here, and this was a chance to sit down. 

“And yes, would the questions be tough? Yes, yes. And I’m sure that had something to do with [Engelbert canceling]… So, it’s just disappointing.”

Patrick and his team waited nearly two hours before learning that the WNBA’s public relations staff had advised against it.

“And then we got word that the commissioner said that the WNBA staff, the PR staff, said that she is not allowed to do this,” Patrick said. “They would prefer that she did not do [the interview].  

“Did you check with PR before you said yes to us?”

Patrick noted the opportunity to discuss Clark, league expansion, and other topics in a fair setting, questioning why Engelbert had committed without first consulting her communications team.

The no-show comes as Engelbert faces mounting pressure. A group of Republican lawmakers recently sent a letter urging the league to address what they described as repeated physical hostility toward Clark, including the June 24 incident with Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas. That play, involving contact to Clark’s throat followed by a step-over, resulted in a one-game suspension for Thomas after review.

Jemele Hill also weighed in, calling Engelbert’s leadership “weak” and suggesting she is not fully equipped for the league’s current spotlight.

The episode highlights ongoing challenges for the WNBA as it navigates heightened visibility driven largely by Clark’s popularity while striving for professional standards in player safety and public communication.