Before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals—and after a week of explosive dialogue about the state of the league and its leadership— commissioner Cathy Engelbert said that she intended to stay in her job amid heated criticism and reports that she may step down from the position.
In her annual postseason news conference, Engelbert also said there had been “inaccuracies” with the characterization of her conversations with Lynx star Napheesa Collier and denied ever saying that Caitlin Clark owed her personal endorsements to the WNBA. The commissioner admitted that the league must improve the relationship with its players. She also recognized the scope of complaints around officiating, which she acknowledged must change, starting with the announcement of a new task force.
