Crisis management expert says Cathy Engelbert should resign for good of WNBA
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner since 2019, faces intense scrutiny amid several controversies this season, including player suspensions, online harassment issues, and political pressure related to star player Caitlin Clark.
- Crisis management expert Jeff Hunt advises Engelbert to resign gracefully at the upcoming All-Star Game to preserve her legacy and allow the league to move forward with new leadership.
- Despite challenges, Engelbert has overseen significant growth in the WNBA, including increased team valuations, higher TV ratings, expanded teams, salary raises, and a lucrative $3.1 billion media rights deal.
- Hunt criticizes Engelbert’s decision to cancel a high-profile media appearance, suggesting it allowed external voices to shape the negative narrative around the league and her leadership.
- The WNBA faces a difficult leadership transition, needing a successor who can unify stakeholders, improve officiating, and better promote star players like Caitlin Clark to maximize the league’s brand value.
