WNBA players slam commissioner for dodging Angel Reese vs Caitlin Clark racism question

The Women's National Basketball Player's Association (WNBPA) has released a statement regarding WNBA commissioner Cathy Englebert's comments on the racial divide between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese's fanbases.

During an interview on CNBS's Power Lunch TV segment, Engelbert was asked about the racial tensions of the fans of Clark and Reese. When asked directly how the league will act when Clark and Reese's fanbases share unpleasant things, Englebert did not answer the question .

Rather, she deflected and pointed out how the business and marketing of the league had exploded thanks to the two star rookies. In response, Terri Jackson, the Executive Director of the WNBPA, and the WNBPA have released a statement regarding Englebert's comments.

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"Here is the answer that the Commissioner should have provided to the very clear question regarding the racism, misogyny, and harassment experienced by the Players: ‘There is absolutely no place in sport—or in life—for the vile hate, racist language, homophobic comments, and misogynistic attacks our players are facing on social media,'" the statement began .

"This is not about rivalries or iconic personalities fueling a business model. This kind of toxic fandom should never be tolerated or left unchecked. It demands immediate action, and frankly, should have been addressed long ago.

"As Director of the WNBPA, now in my ninth season, I can say that we wholeheartedly welcome the rising interest in the WNBA over the past few years, particularly the surge in fandom sparked by this electrifying rookie class, led by Angel and Caitlin.

"To the loyal fans who have been with the W for decades, thank you for your unwavering support. You know the history, the game, and the Players—you know us best. And to our new fans, welcome! Your energy and passion are recognized and appreciated. Together, with all our fans, we will continue to grow a sustainable and thriving future for the WNBA."

The statement comes after Engelbert elected not to touch the subject and rather decided to talk about how Clark and Reese's rivalry is similar to Magic Johnson and Larry Bird's from the 1980s. "It is a little bit like that Bird-Magic moment," Engelbert.

"Suppose you recall from 1979 when those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one Black. And so we have that moment with these two. But the one thing I know about sports is that you need rivalry. That's what makes people watch."

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Additionally, Engelbert shared how successful the league has become thanks to corporate sponsorships , instead of further explaining the race issue which divides the two fanbases. "Corporate partners are stepping up to endorse these players much more so than they were five years ago because they see the benefit of having women and diverse women representing their brand. I agree. Rivalries are good," she said.

Englebert's comments received massive derision on social media, with many fans believing the commissioner did a poor job answering a question that is affecting one of the biggest stars in the league.

"Cathy Engelbert didn’t even try to discourage the homophobic and racist behavior that occurs on WNBA posts and events," a fan wrote on X. "Not even on the official pages or at games. Get her out of here."