When Napheesa Collier revealed that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert allegedly claimed Caitlin Clark “should be grateful” for earning $16 million in endorsements due to the league’s platform, it didn’t take long for the backlash to ignite.
Engelbert’s reported comments, made during a private conversation with Collier, were widely viewed as minimizing Clark’s impact on the league, implying that her off-court success was only possible because of the WNBA, not the other way around.
The remarks have sparked fierce reactions across the basketball world, but one of the most passionate responses came from within the Indiana Fever’s own locker room. Teammate and fellow WNBA player Sophie Cunningham did not hold back.
On social media, she wrote:”People only know Cathy because of C… She’s the most delusional leader our league has seen.”
Cunningham’s comments reflect the frustration shared by many fans and players who believe Clark has already contributed far more to the league’s growth than she’s been given credit for. With sold-out arenas, record-breaking viewership, and a surge in merchandise sales, Clark’s presence has undeniably helped elevate the WNBA’s profile.
Many feel that Engelbert’s statement downplays how instrumental the rookie phenom has been in drawing in new fans and sponsors.
While Engelbert has made public comments acknowledging Clark’s influence, she has also emphasized that the league is not built around one player. However, players like Cunningham argue that Clark isn’t just another player, she’s a generational talent who has dramatically expanded the league’s reach and audience in a very short time.
Solidarity, not silence
Sophie Cunningham’s fierce defense of Caitlin Clark is more than just a teammate standing up for a friend, it’s a signal of a growing player movement demanding greater respect and fair treatment from league leadership.
Cunningham has become increasingly vocal about players’ rights, even stating earlier this year, “You can just tell Cathy to pay us, and then we can have a discussion,” in reference to salary and collective bargaining negotiations.
This isn’t the first time players have questioned the priorities of WNBA leadership. But Engelbert’s alleged comment about Clark, made even more controversial given the current push for improved pay and visibility, has only heightened the scrutiny.
By standing up publicly, Cunningham reinforces the message that star players like Clark are not merely benefiting from the WNBA’s platform, they’re transforming it. And when they’re diminished or dismissed, it affects the entire league’s credibility.
As the WNBA moves into a critical phase of growth and negotiation, Cunningham’s stance could serve as a rallying cry for players seeking not only compensation but recognition, fairness, and leadership that values their role in shaping the future of women’s basketball.
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