ESPN Cuts Broadcast as WNBA Fans Flip Off Commissioner Engelbert During Aces Trophy Ceremony
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ESPN Cuts Broadcast as WNBA Fans Flip Off Commissioner Engelbert During Aces Trophy Ceremony

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Faces Backlash During Championship Ceremony

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert drew loud boos and middle fingers from fans during the Las Vegas Aces’ championship trophy presentation Friday night, following their Game 4 win over the Phoenix Mercury. ESPN repeatedly cut to a gray screen to obscure the disrespectful gestures as Engelbert addressed the crowd, while Aces players, including Finals MVP A’ja Wilson, smirked nearby. The tension comes amid growing player dissatisfaction and a looming October 31 deadline for the league’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA).

Fans in Phoenix flipped off Engelbert during her speech
Fans in Phoenix flipped off Engelbert during her speech (Photo: Daily Mail)

Collier’s Criticism Adds Fuel to the Fire
The incident followed sharp critiques from Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, who accused Engelbert of claiming rookie sensation Caitlin Clark “owed” the WNBA for her endorsement opportunities. Engelbert denied the remarks, calling them “inaccurate,” but Collier doubled down, labeling league leadership as “the worst in the world” and lacking accountability.

Napheesa Collier criticized Engelbert’s leadership
Napheesa Collier criticized Engelbert’s leadership (Photo: Daily Mail)

Engelbert’s Response and CBA Negotiations
Engelbert acknowledged strained player relations, vowing to “do better” during a pre-Finals press conference. She emphasized shared goals with players, including higher salaries and improved benefits, and confirmed ongoing CBA talks. While hopeful for a deal by October 31, she hinted at a possible extension if needed. The current CBA, signed in 2020, has been criticized for low wages—Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark earned just $78,000 this season despite her massive fan impact.

Caitlin Clark’s salary sparked debates about WNBA pay
Caitlin Clark’s salary sparked debates about WNBA pay (Photo: Daily Mail)

Addressing Officiating and Expansion Plans
Engelbert also pledged to overhaul officiating, forming a committee to address concerns over physical play and consistency. Meanwhile, her tenure has seen league growth, including a $2.2 billion media rights deal and plans for six new teams by 2030. Players have praised the full charter flights introduced this season, hoped to become permanent in the new CBA.

Despite backlash, Engelbert dismissed rumors of stepping down, stating, “I’ve never been a quitter.” Her focus remains on balancing player needs with the league’s financial sustainability as the WNBA navigates its rising popularity and internal tensions.

Featured image: ESPN cut to a gray screen during Engelbert’s speech (Photo: Daily Mail)
ESPN’s gray screen during the ceremony

Word count: ~400 words (images and captions added as placeholders; text condensed to highlight key points).

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