The WNBA players’ association, along with numerous players, have criticized commissioner Cathy Engelbert for not addressing the racism and hate speech that many have faced this season, particularly online.

This concern has intensified with the debut of rookies Caitlin Clark, who is white, and Angel Reese, who is Black, leading fans and commentators to display biased opinions along racial lines.

Engelbert’s response largely emphasized the increased visibility that the two rookies have brought to the WNBA.

“In sports, rivalry is essential,” Engelbert said. “It captivates viewers. People want to see significant games played between rivals. They aren’t interested in everyone being overly friendly.”

Terri Jackson, the executive director of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association, admonished the commissioner for not addressing the issues of racism, misogyny, and harassment more decisively.

“This is not merely about rivalries or famous personalities driving a business model,” Jackson stated in a press release on Tuesday night. “Such toxic fandom should never be tolerated or ignored. Immediate action is required, and frankly, it should have been dealt with a long time ago.”

Later, Engelbert sought to clarify her earlier remarks with a social media post on Tuesday. “To be clear, there is absolutely no room for hate or racism in the WNBA, or anywhere else,” she wrote on X.

However, prior to that, several WNBA players expressed their disappointment with Engelbert’s earlier statements.

“It’s evident that there’s a distinction between rivalries and racism,” remarked Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum, as reported by ESPN.

“The nature of the comments and the hateful sentiments directed at players has taken a darker turn, and that’s unacceptable,” said Aces forward Alysha Clark. “I wish Engelbert would have simply affirmed that. ‘It’s not acceptable.’