The WNBA is posting some of its strongest business numbers in league history even as it works through a string of public controversies. The league begins 2026 backed by a new 11-year, $2.2 billion television deal, with TV numbers up 12 percent compared with this stage of last season and All-Star ratings up 44 percent.
For the first time, more fans filled the stands for the WNBA All-Star game in Chicago than for the equivalent NBA event, and the league has introduced a new video referee system this season.
Despite the growth, questions have been raised about the leadership of commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The league has also faced accusations that it is mishandling Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, its biggest draw since she was drafted in April 2024.
Clark speaks out
In a recent interview on ESPN's SportsCenter, Clark said she was "emotionally exhausted" by the constant attention on her. She said she cannot leave a locker room without dreading the next storyline, adding: "It makes your shoulders tense. People don't want to talk about the basketball, they just wanna stir it up and make something else."
This season Clark has absorbed a number of hard fouls, including one from Alyssa Thomas that connected with her throat. The league responded with a one-game ban for Thomas.
ESPN analyst Monica McNutt drew backlash after saying on the network's Women's Sports Sunday show that Clark should take "accountability" for the controversy surrounding her.
The WNBA also faced criticism after releasing a commemorative poster marking its 30th anniversary featuring 30 past and present stars, with Clark absent. The league attributed the omission to licensing technicalities. Outkick's Clay Travis said the league was doing "everything they can to kill" its biggest star.
Commissioner under scrutiny
Several players have said they have little relationship with Engelbert. Las Vegas Aces star A'ja Wilson, a four-time MVP and three-time champion, addressed the topic at All-Star Weekend.
Wilson said: "My only relationship with Cathy is when she hands me awards, which is great. I love to see her in that light. But I think when it comes to leadership, I'm always big on bonds... big on connection on a deeper level."
Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier criticized Engelbert's leadership last season, and ESPN's Chiney Ogwumike said the commissioner has fallen short in building relationships with the league's top players. Engelbert's contract is set to expire this year.
Trans athletes row
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham drew scrutiny after telling ESPN she wanted to protect girls from playing against biological men, then doubled down on the comments amid backlash from fans.
Supporters of Cunningham gathered in Seattle before a game on Tuesday night.
Rival player Stefanie Dolson wore a t-shirt reading "Trans Rights are Human Rights" in response.
A viral video then showed Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keaton shouting at fans in the stands, calling them "f***ing insane" for supporting Cunningham. Two women accused Keaton of berating them over their support for Cunningham, and one widely shared social media post described the fans as teenage girls. The WNBA suspended Keaton for five games and issued a fine. Commentators contrasted the punishment with the NBA forcing Donald Sterling to sell the Los Angeles Clippers after racist remarks he made in a private conversation.
More missteps
The WNBA's official X account posted, then deleted, a video showing Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers discussing a $400 cash bet on their own game, ahead of Atlanta's Wednesday matchup with Dallas, which the Dream won in their first game after the All-Star break. The league said in a statement that the video "missed the mark" and promised to "reemphasize" betting policies with its players.
The league also faced backlash after its players declined to wear "USA 250" badges during All-Star weekend, breaking with the practice of other major American leagues marking the country's 250th anniversary.
