WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is absolutely on the hot seat right now, and honestly, it’s not a surprise. Dave Portnoy, never one to pull punches, just slammed her as "the worst commissioner in all of sports" after she canceled a scheduled interview with Dan Patrick. That's a huge claim, but after seeing how she's handled Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, a lot of fans are nodding their heads.
Failing the WNBA's Biggest Star
Caitlin Clark is the WNBA's golden ticket, no doubt about it. She's bringing eyeballs to the league like never before, a bona fide superstar. But the problem? According to Portnoy and plenty of WNBA fans, the league itself, and especially Commissioner Engelbert, just doesn't seem to get it. Engelbert has failed to protect Clark "on more than one instance," which is a wild charge when you're talking about your most prized asset. How do you let that happen? This isn't just about one player, it's about the league's credibility and its ability to nurture the very talent that's making it explode.Ducking the Tough Questions
The latest incident that really lit the fuse was Engelbert's decision to bail on an interview with Dan Patrick. Portnoy didn't mince words about it. "You’re the commissioner of the WNBA. What do you mean your PR people won’t let you go on? It’s your decision. You’re their boss. Of course, you can overrule,” he fired off. He's got a point. As commissioner, she's got a responsibility to represent the league and answer questions, especially when controversy is swirling. Skipping that interview looks like a total duck-and-cover move, and Portnoy labeled her a "total coward" for it. He doubled down, saying she's "mismanaged this league from the word go, the second Caitlin Clark got in here." He thinks they just "haven’t known how to handle it," and that she "doesn’t know how to answer questions." The dude clearly believes she's fumbling the bag big time. The controversy around Clark and the league isn't slowing down, and even though Portnoy notes that Clark not playing doesn't seem to be killing the ratings, it's still a "shame." The crucial part here? WNBA fans are right there with Portnoy, sharing those same frustrated emotions about the commissioner. If Engelbert doesn't step up soon, it truly wouldn't be a surprise if she's "relieved of her duties in favor of a better candidate for the job." The league is at a pivotal moment, and it needs a leader who can face the heat and champion its biggest stars.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.