Veteran sports columnist Christine Brennan has openly criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert for insufficiently promoting Caitlin Clark during her first two seasons. Clark, regarded as the most popular figure in women’s basketball, has not received the attention commensurate with her star status, raising concerns about the league’s marketing strategy. Brennan voiced her frustration during an interview with WHO13 News in Iowa, where she discussed her book on the Indiana Fever star and expressed disbelief at the WNBA’s inability to capitalize on Clark’s popularity.
Brennan highlighted a particular instance where Engelbert seemed evasive when addressing Clark. She explained that when asked about Clark, Engelbert often includes another player, Angel, confusing the focus. Brennan said,
“The way she has trouble talking about Caitlin Clark, or if she’s asked about Caitlin, she’ll say Caitlin and Angel,” Brennan said. “Well, she wasn’t asked about Angel, you know? She was asked about Caitlin. This incredible inability to deal with the facts and state the obvious, it is astounding to me.”
The USA Today journalist also questioned the league’s business judgment, pointing out that failing to push Clark’s image contradicts basic capitalist principles. She stated,
“It does make you wonder, me as a human being, what’s going on, and why is it still so bad and so opposite of what any capitalist company (do)? It’s Capitalism 101. You’ve got someone here. Run with it.”
In addition to the promotion issues, Brennan raised concerns about how the league‘s officiating has not adequately protected Clark on the court, referencing a recent high-profile game between the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun. Despite these criticisms, she expressed a personal liking for Engelbert but insisted the league must improve its efforts to promote its biggest star to expand the fan base.
Caitlin Clark Voices Discontent Over Commissioner’s Cup Prize Inequality
Caitlin Clark was sidelined with a groin injury during the Indiana Fever’s WNBA Commissioner’s Cup Final against the Minnesota Lynx on July 1. The Fever delivered a dominant performance, winning 74-59 to claim their first-ever Commissioner’s Cup trophy. Beyond the trophy, the players received prize money ranging from approximately $41,700 to $45,454, which notably exceeds what winners earn from the WNBA championship itself.
Following the victory, Clark publicly highlighted the pay disparity during an Instagram Live session with Sydney Colson. She questioned the logic behind earning more for the Cup than for winning the league championship. Clark urged action, saying,
“Listen, you get more for this than you do if you’re a champion,” Clark said. “Makes no sense. Someone tell Cathy to help us out.”
With Collective Bargaining Agreement discussions anticipated in Indianapolis during the upcoming All-Star Weekend, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faces mounting pressure to address these unresolved issues involving player compensation and league promotion.
Implications for the WNBA’s Future Marketing and Player Relations
Christine Brennan’s public rebuke of Cathy Engelbert underscores ongoing tensions between the WNBA’s leadership and its efforts to elevate star players like Caitlin Clark. The league’s shortcomings in promoting its top talent could hinder growth in viewership and fan engagement. Meanwhile, Clark’s outspoken critique regarding prize money inequality adds further urgency for change in league policies as the CBA negotiations approach. How Engelbert and the WNBA office respond may have lasting effects on the league’s reputation and its ability to nurture and support its marquee athletes moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Caitlin Clark sitting with Taylor Swift?
A. Clark and Swift were spotted together in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ playoff game against the Houston Texans on Saturday. This was the first occasion they attended a game as a pair, following Clark’s statement that Swift invited him to watch a game earlier this season.
Q. Why is Taylor Swift sitting with Caitlin Clark?
A. Taylor Swift was spotted sitting next to basketball player Caitlin Clark at a Chiefs home game against the Houston Texans. Clark attended the game shortly after announcing that Swift had invited her to watch the game together.