{"id":58785,"date":"2025-08-04T23:21:11","date_gmt":"2025-08-04T23:21:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/58785\/"},"modified":"2025-08-04T23:21:11","modified_gmt":"2025-08-04T23:21:11","slug":"wnba-commissioner-cathy-engelbert-issues-brutal-reality-check-to-caitlin-clark-fans-with-bold-michael-jordan-take","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/58785\/","title":{"rendered":"WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Issues Brutal Reality Check to Caitlin Clark Fans With Bold Michael Jordan Take"},"content":{"rendered":"

Caitlin Clark has undoubtedly been the force behind the WNBA<\/a>\u2019s growth. What started with a 48% rise in league merchandise sales in 2024 has turned into plans to expand to an 18-team league by 2030, placing the league in its best position ever.<\/p>\n

While Clark might have led the charge, it was by no means an individual effort. And Commissioner Cathy Engelbert made that clear, citing the NBA<\/a> as an example.<\/p>\n

What Did WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Say About Caitlin Clark?<\/p>\n

Speaking with the Daily Mail, Engelbert discussed the rise of the WNBA and their superstar, Clark. And although the commissioner gives Clark the appreciation she deserves, she underscores just how important the supporting cast is.<\/p>\n

Engelbert said, \u201cNo league ever made themselves on one player, even in the [Larry] Bird-Magic [Johnson] era, the Michael Jordan era, the Kobe [Bryant]-Shaq [O\u2019Neal] era. You have to build your league and market around all of your players and your stars. And we\u2019ve built household names.\u201d She singles out the likes of A\u2019ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi. \u201cYou can never build it around one.\u201d<\/p>\n

WNBA commissioner opens up on Caitlin Clark\u2026 as league is rocked by protests and bullying claims https:\/\/t.co\/Mqv5iMDwRR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mail Sport (@MailSport) August 1, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n

Engelbert makes a fair argument. While Clark might have led to the league\u2019s hyper-growth, sustaining this success will take more than one name. Even during Michael Jordan\u2019s era, Hakeem Olajuwon, Isiah Thomas, and John Stockton contributed to the rise of the NBA internationally. Not only did these stars add to the league\u2019s competitiveness, but they also provided the opportunity to market more players.<\/p>\n

The WNBA has long continued to develop its household players, and the spotlight that Clark brought along last year has helped them shine.\u00a0While Engelbert continued<\/a> to discuss sustained growth, she also appreciated Clark\u2019s role as the league\u2019s ambassador.<\/p>\n

MORE: Fever HC Stephanie White Drops Heartbreaking News on Caitlin Clark\u2019s Return Timeline After Groin Injury<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s great that everybody\u2019s talking [about the WNBA]. [Caitlin] is really thoughtful, not just about her game, but also about growing women\u2019s basketball and growing the WNBA fandom,\u201d Engelbert explained.<\/p>\n

Even though Clark could not participate in this year\u2019s All-Star game, she still contributed to the league\u2019s growth from the sidelines, wearing a T-shirt that said, \u201cPay us what you owe us.\u201d The T-shirt, which was also worn by the rest of the All-Stars, marked a silent protest amidst the WNBPA\u2019s Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with the league, through which they seek higher salaries, among other things.<\/p>\n

The players have been vocal about getting their due in the league\u2019s growth. Although Clark doesn\u2019t necessarily need a higher paycheck, she knows her status in the negotiations.<\/p>\n