Caitlin Clark may be one of the most talked-about rookies the WNBA has ever seen, but league commissioner Cathy Engelbert isn’t letting the noise distract from the bigger picture.
In an interview with The Athletic, Engelbert addressed the over-the-top reactions surrounding Clark’s rise. She acknowledged the Indiana Fever guard’s massive influence but reminded everyone that no league survives off a single star.
“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,” Engelbert said. “You have to build your league and market around all of your players and your stars. And we’ve built household names.”
Clark’s supporters have been vocal in criticizing the WNBA, with some fans even blaming the league for what they feel is unfair treatment of the rookie. Engelbert, however, made it clear the league’s mission is about sustainable growth—not just social media impressions.
“You can never build it around one,” she added.
That doesn’t mean Clark’s presence isn’t appreciated. Engelbert praised her not only for her game but also for her awareness of the WNBA’s bigger goals.
“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.”
WNBA legend Tamika Catchings also weighed in on Clark’s early impact:
“She’s bringing eyes to the game. That’s something we’ve always wanted,” Catchings said on ESPN’s Around the Horn.
Clark’s talent is undeniable—but according to the league itself, the future won’t be carried on one set of shoulders.
Tamika Catchings Says Caitlin Clark’s Spotlight Is “What We’ve Always Wanted”
Caitlin Clark has sparked debates, headlines, and heated group chats—but to former WNBA star Tamika Catchings, that spotlight is long overdue.
Speaking on Around the Horn, Catchings praised the rookie for the attention she’s bringing to women’s basketball.
“She’s bringing eyes to the game. That’s something we’ve always wanted,” said Catchings. “She’s shining, and it’s helping the whole league.”
Catchings, a Hall of Famer and one of the Indiana Fever’s most iconic names, knows what it means to carry a franchise. But even she agrees with Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s message—one player alone can’t carry the load.
The attention Clark commands is impressive, but the league’s response has been balanced. Engelbert noted how other stars like A’ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, and Arike Ogunbowale have helped shape the league, too.
“People tune in now because there are more players they can relate to,” Catchings added. “That’s how you grow the sport.”
Clark’s role is important, but she’s just one piece in a much larger movement—one that’s been years in the making.
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Dan has been active in sports since 2016 and has worked behind the scenes as a scriptwriter for basketball, volleyball, and other sports. At a time, Dan has also been working as a sports commentator for CBA Pilipinas. During the pandemic, he has also been actively writing betting articles for CashBet and BetNow.
