As the WNBA season began, commissioner Cathy Englebert probably did not see the headlines that would surround the league. When Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham made anti-trans comments in an ESPN interview this summer, she probably didn’t think of the controversy she caused.
Opinions from various corners of the sports world surfaced. Some chastised Cunningham’s comments, while others supported her.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Must be Fired, Asserts Dan Dakich
Yet, as the league’s spokesperson, Englebert finds herself navigating the waters surrounding the thorny topic. The head of the league seemingly needs to place the criticism on Engelbert, with some of it coming from Cunningham herself. A former coach-turned-commentator offered his opinion on Englebert’s future.
Dakich is no stranger to hot takes and outlandish statements, which followed him from his coaching career to his current status as a commentator. The former Indiana men’s basketball head coach sided with Cunningham’s criticism of Engelbert and issued this condemnation.
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“Sophie Cunningham is right… again. New leadership, probably needed in the WNBA… I believe, and I have said, an iron-fisted David Stern-type leader that gets everybody on the same page.” proclaimed Dakich. Yet, he wasn’t finished lambasting Engelbert.
“The WNBA is subsidized by the NBA, loses money every year, but it doesn’t need to be that way. The golden goose is here.” Dakich stated.
He is referring to Cunningham’s teammate, Caitlin Clark. Dakich goes on to explain that the WNBA commissioner needs to lean into building the league’s narrative around Clark.
For context, Clark plays in Indiana, where Dakich was born and lives. In his previous posts and comments, Dakich alluded to a potentially racial element to explain why he believes the league hasn’t fully adhered to Clark.
Meanwhile, Clark, through her comments and actions, wants to focus solely on basketball, tending to stay out of the fray that has drawn widespread attention. Dakich appears comfortable covering the WNBA conversation rather than the actual play.
Yet, that doesn’t mean that Englebert is without fault. Before the transgender controversy, other examples of people finding issues with her tenure surfaced.
For example, last September, Minnesota Lynx standout Napheesa Collier lashed out at Engelbert, criticizing her leadership amid questions about officiating and player compensation. Collier’s comments apparently echoed the sentiments of other players who did not publicly voice their opinions.
For the last couple of seasons, the Engelbert has been in the hot seat, scrutinized from all angles. Despite a lucrative collective bargaining agreement that benefits players, the commissioner still faces dissenting opinions. It remains to be seen how long she can navigate through and lead the WNBA.
