Cathy Engelbert apologized to WNBA players for failing to condemn abusive Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese fans

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – JULY 20: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the media before the 2024 WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center on July 20, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert walked back her comments earlier this week, where she failed to address the abusive words and actions coming from Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese fans.

Engelbert recently appeared on CNBC and was asked about the online discourse that has turned into racial and sexist abuse. The commissioner seemingly sidestepped the question, leaning into the “rivalry” between the two rookies and speaking about how both players should “ignore” those fans.

The commissioner’s answers — and subsequent follow-up tweet attempting to clarify her comments — did not sit well with Breanna Stewart and other players across the league. According to Rachel Bachman of The Wall Street Journal, Engelbert apologized Friday in a letter to the players. Here’s part of what it said:

“I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race, and simply put, my answer missed the mark, and I’m sorry.”
“I regret that I didn’t express, in a clear and definitive way, condemnation of the hateful speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media. This is a teachable moment and one that I embrace with humility. There is absolutely no room for racism, misogyny, homophobia and other forms of hate in the WNBA or anywhere.”
“I know many of you have been dealing with it for a long time. I want us as a league to do our part to change the too often toxic and abusive nature of social media discourse.”

NEW: The WNBA’s breakout season has had an ugly side: a surge in racial abuse of players online.
The issue finally burst into the open this week.
Today, the commissioner sent an apology email to all WNBA players.https://t.co/4KpV6gQaVd
— Rachel Bachman (@Bachscore) September 13, 2024

Per Jackie Powell of The Next, Stewart seemed receptive to Engelbert’s apology and even spoke with the commissioner on the phone.

I spoke to Breanna Stewart today and got her reaction to the letter Cathy Engelbert sent to all players following her comments on CNBC.
Engelbert also called Stewart on Wednesday, the day after Stewart addressed Engelbert’s comments in a postgame presser on Tuesday night. pic.twitter.com/c6ElHhEEfH
— Jackie Powell (she/her) (@ClassicJpow) September 14, 2024

It is also worth noting that Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) president and Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike chatted with Engelbert as well.