Caitlin Clark has undoubtedly been the force behind the WNBA’s growth. What started with a 48% rise in league merchandise sales in 2024 has turned into plans to expand to an 18-team league by 2030, placing the league in its best position ever.
While Clark might have led the charge, it was by no means an individual effort. And Commissioner Cathy Engelbert made that clear, citing the NBA as an example.
What Did WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Say About Caitlin Clark?
Speaking with the Daily Mail, Engelbert discussed the rise of the WNBA and their superstar, Clark. And although the commissioner gives Clark the appreciation she deserves, she underscores just how important the supporting cast is.
Engelbert said, “No league ever made themselves on one player, even in the [Larry] Bird-Magic [Johnson] era, the Michael Jordan era, the Kobe [Bryant]-Shaq [O’Neal] era. You have to build your league and market around all of your players and your stars. And we’ve built household names.” She singles out the likes of A’ja Wilson, Brittney Griner, and Diana Taurasi. “You can never build it around one.”
WNBA commissioner opens up on Caitlin Clark… as league is rocked by protests and bullying claims https://t.co/Mqv5iMDwRR
— Mail Sport (@MailSport) August 1, 2025
Engelbert makes a fair argument. While Clark might have led to the league’s hyper-growth, sustaining this success will take more than one name. Even during Michael Jordan’s era, Hakeem Olajuwon, Isiah Thomas, and John Stockton contributed to the rise of the NBA internationally. Not only did these stars add to the league’s competitiveness, but they also provided the opportunity to market more players.
The WNBA has long continued to develop its household players, and the spotlight that Clark brought along last year has helped them shine. While Engelbert continued to discuss sustained growth, she also appreciated Clark’s role as the league’s ambassador.
“It’s great that everybody’s talking [about the WNBA]. [Caitlin] is really thoughtful, not just about her game, but also about growing women’s basketball and growing the WNBA fandom,” Engelbert explained.
Even though Clark could not participate in this year’s All-Star game, she still contributed to the league’s growth from the sidelines, wearing a T-shirt that said, “Pay us what you owe us.” The T-shirt, which was also worn by the rest of the All-Stars, marked a silent protest amidst the WNBPA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiations with the league, through which they seek higher salaries, among other things.
The players have been vocal about getting their due in the league’s growth. Although Clark doesn’t necessarily need a higher paycheck, she knows her status in the negotiations.
