The 2025 WNBA Finals are in full swing. The Las Vegas Aces squad, which is led by A’ja Wilson, is just one win away from capturing yet another championship. However, despite the electric atmosphere surrounding the Finals, the league’s spotlight has shifted away from the court and onto something far more controversial.
The WNBA community is buzzing with frustration and debate, as Commissioner Cathy Engelbert faces mounting criticism for her leadership. And now, none other than WNBA legend Candace Parker has stepped forward to call out Engelbert’s glaring missteps.
What Has Candace Parker Said Regarding Cathy Engelbert?
During the latest episode of “Post Moves,” which is a podcast co-hosted by Parker and Indiana Fever star Aliyah Boston, the two dove deep into the ongoing turmoil surrounding Engelbert’s decisions and public comments.
After recapping the recent chaos involving Napheesa Collier and Engelbert’s alleged remarks about Caitlin Clark, Parker didn’t hold back. She pointed out that the main issue plaguing the WNBA right now isn’t just about one player or one quote. But it’s about the lack of strong leadership at the top.
Parker made a striking comparison between Engelbert and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, noting how the two showed empathy towards the players differently.
“I think for now, relationships matter… I do think Adam is leading in a different way. If the NBA is our blueprint, then we have to look at the from top to bottom.”
“We can’t just choose what we look at that as. And I’ll tell you this. I signed a deal with Amazon. I got a text from Adam Silver, saying, ‘Congratulations. ‘ I had my third child, and I got a text from Adam Silver about my third child… I get a Christmas gift from Adam Silver every year,” said Parker during the podcast.
Parker retired in 2024 after an illustrious 16-year career, and we can say she knows a thing or two about leadership and respect. She was drafted first overall in 2008 by the Los Angeles Sparks, and she dominated from the moment she stepped on the court.
Over her career, Parker averaged 16 points, 8.5 rebounds, and four assists per game, collecting three championships and countless accolades. For Parker, the comparison mentioned above wasn’t just speculation. She even backed her words with examples that exposed the cracks in Engelbert’s leadership.
“I retired, Adam Silver sent me a text message… I have not heard from Cathy,” she added during the podcast, and also noted that Engelbert was not present for either of her two jersey retirements.
How Did the Controversy Regarding Cathy Engelbert Start?
The controversy first ignited after the Minnesota Lynx’s exit interviews following their semifinal loss. During her media session, star forward Collier voiced long-standing frustrations shared by many in the league, which ranged from inconsistent officiating to the massive pay gap between the WNBA and NBA.
Collier revealed that she had personally raised these issues with Engelbert, using Clark as a clear example of the league’s contradictions.
Clark’s entry into the WNBA has undoubtedly transformed the sport’s visibility. It has broken viewership records, filled arenas, and brought in unprecedented revenue. Yet, according to Collier, Engelbert’s response to discussions about fair compensation and player treatment was alarmingly tone-deaf.
According to Collier, Engelbert told her that Clark “should be grateful” for the platform the WNBA provided, an alleged remark that quickly went viral and enraged fans and players alike.
Moreover, in an effort to control the narrative, Engelbert addressed the media before Game 1 of the Finals and denied that she ever made such comments.
“Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She’s been a great representative of the game; she’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game,” said Engelbert during the interview.
Now Parker’s willingness to publicly question Engelbert’s judgment signals that the commissioner’s problems extend far beyond a single player complaint. They reflect systemic leadership failures that demand immediate attention.
