Cathy Engelbert helped the WNBA capitalize on growth, but now her relationship with players is holding it back

At WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago, players voiced concerns about their relationship with commissioner Cathy Engelbert, suggesting the dynamic needs to change. While Engelbert is credited with helping grow the WNBA during her tenure as commissioner, players indicated that the commissioner-player relationship has become a barrier to the league's continued progress. The situation highlights growing tensions between league leadership and its athletes at a critical moment of expansion for women's basketball.