Cathy Engelbert, the Commissioner of the WNBA, has been at the center of increasing controversy surrounding her leadership, with many fans and critics accusing her of mismanagement and, more shockingly, blatant sabotage of rising star Caitlin Clark’s potential impact on the league. While the WNBA continues to struggle with ratings, viewership, and retaining top talent, many are calling for Engelbert’s removal, arguing that her decisions have directly harmed both Caitlin Clark and the future of the WNBA. Here are 10 times Engelbert’s actions seemingly worked against Clark and the league:

1. Failure to Secure Caitlin Clark’s Entry Into the WNBA

Caitlin Clark was expected to be the WNBA’s next megastar, but Engelbert failed to create incentives or an environment attractive enough to secure her entry into the league. Clark’s decision to play overseas, where she was offered better financial terms, left the WNBA reeling — a major missed opportunity under Engelbert’s watch.

2. Inadequate Player Compensation

One of the biggest issues that led to Caitlin Clark opting out of the WNBA was the league’s inadequate pay structure. Engelbert has done little to address the massive pay disparity between WNBA players and their male counterparts in the NBA or the more competitive overseas leagues. This failure pushed Clark to explore more lucrative options outside the U.S., depriving the WNBA of its next star.

3. Neglecting Proper Marketing of Stars Like Caitlin Clark

Despite Caitlin Clark’s tremendous fanbase and undeniable talent, Engelbert failed to capitalize on her marketability. Instead of positioning Clark as the face of the league, the WNBA’s marketing strategy has often lacked focus, leaving many to wonder why the league didn’t do more to elevate a player with such potential to attract broader audiences.

4. Undermining Collegiate Ties

Engelbert failed to build stronger relationships between the WNBA and college basketball, especially regarding standout players like Caitlin Clark. The league could have done more to smooth the transition for college stars, but Engelbert’s hands-off approach meant that Clark felt no pressure or reason to join the WNBA immediately.

5. Inadequate Media Coverage for Women’s Sports

Under Engelbert’s leadership, media coverage for the WNBA has been stagnant, failing to secure major broadcasting deals that could give the league the spotlight it needs. Clark’s games could have drawn millions of viewers, but Engelbert’s failure to secure prime-time media deals sabotaged the league’s growth.

6. Poor Fan Engagement

Engelbert has consistently struggled to engage with fans and build excitement around the league’s stars. Caitlin Clark, with her massive social media presence and devoted fanbase, could have been the bridge between new fans and the WNBA. However, poor fan outreach and engagement under Engelbert’s direction stunted this opportunity.

7. Failure to Modernize the League

As European and other international leagues offer better facilities, resources, and salaries for players, Engelbert has been slow to modernize the WNBA’s infrastructure. Clark, seeing the stark difference between overseas opportunities and the WNBA’s outdated system, made the easy decision to play abroad.

8. Missed Opportunities to Amplify Women’s Sports

While women’s sports are growing worldwide, the WNBA under Engelbert has failed to capitalize on this momentum. Caitlin Clark’s stardom could have spearheaded a massive push for more visibility in women’s basketball, but Engelbert’s lackluster leadership allowed this opportunity to slip through the cracks.

9. Mismanagement of Player Development

Engelbert has not prioritized player development initiatives that would foster a pipeline of talent and excitement for future stars like Caitlin Clark. The WNBA’s inability to support and develop its next generation of stars, both financially and competitively, has hurt the league’s overall growth potential.

10. Allowing International Leagues to Poach Talent

Perhaps the most blatant example of Engelbert’s failure is allowing international leagues to poach talent from under the WNBA’s nose. By not offering competitive salaries or compelling reasons for players like Caitlin Clark to stay, Engelbert essentially handed her over to the European leagues, weakening the WNBA’s talent pool.

Conclusion: Fire Engelbert Now!

Cathy Engelbert’s mismanagement has led to a series of blunders that have not only sabotaged Caitlin Clark’s potential to elevate the WNBA but have also stunted the growth of women’s basketball as a whole. Fans are calling for immediate change, arguing that without new leadership, the WNBA will continue to suffer from declining ratings, lost talent, and missed opportunities. It’s time for a new vision — one that can bring the WNBA back to life.