WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert cancelled a scheduled interview on “The Dan Patrick Show,” the host announced during his programme on Friday. The cancellation occurred while both Commissioner Engelbert and Dan Patrick were present at the American Century Championship celebrity golf tournament in Nevada. Patrick informed his audience that the planned conversation had been scheduled for Thursday.
According to Patrick, the instruction to cancel the interview originated from the WNBA’s public relations team. He claimed that the team explicitly instructed Commissioner Engelbert not to proceed with the appearance on his show. Patrick detailed the preparations, stating, “We waited almost two hours for her. This was scheduled.”
He further elaborated on Engelbert’s prior commitments, explaining, “She was going to do a meeting in her hotel room, a conference call, and then she was going to join us…” Patrick highlighted his team’s readiness, confirming, “We’re standing by, we’re waiting to interview her.” The host had planned to address various subjects with the Commissioner, including pressing questions about Caitlin Clark, as well as broader topics such as the future expansion of the WNBA.
Dan Patrick Criticises Handling of Interview Cancellation
Patrick recounted how his team ultimately “got word” regarding the cancellation. He stated, “the commissioner said that the WNBA staff, the PR staff, said that she is not allowed to do this. They would prefer that she did not do this.” This explanation led Patrick to publicly criticise Commissioner Engelbert’s approach to the situation.
The host questioned the decision-making process, directly asking, “You’re the commissioner, and you’re listening to the PR department, which is fine. But did you check with PR before you said yes to us? We promoted it all day yesterday.” Patrick expressed his profound disappointment, characterising the cancellation as a missed “opportunity” for the league’s leader.
“It was her opportunity to finally say, ‘hey, you can ask me the tough questions,'” Patrick asserted. He conveyed his belief that the interview “was going to be a good thing for the WNBA” given the current climate. Patrick observed that “people still want answers here,” acknowledging the presence of “so many people who have an opinion, agendas here.” He viewed the scheduled conversation as “a chance to sit down,” even if the questions were anticipated to be “tough.” He reiterated, “yes, yes. And I’m sure that had something to do with it…. So, it’s just disappointing.”
Patrick strongly suggested that such actions undermine the league’s aspiration for greater recognition. “If you want to be treated as a serious league, this is what happens!” he declared. He emphasised the fairness of his platform, stating, “These are tough questions, but this is a fair outlet for you — a fair platform. I will treat you with respect.”
Adding a striking detail, Patrick claimed that Commissioner Engelbert was actively golfing during his Friday broadcast. He alleged she was located “50 yards away from him” at the time, with his show’s feed reportedly cutting to footage depicting the Commissioner driving a golf ball.
WNBA Under Increased Scrutiny
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has faced intense scrutiny over recent weeks, particularly concerning the WNBA’s response to controversial incidents. This heightened examination follows events involving star player Caitlin Clark, notably a throat punch delivered by Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas. Referees on the court did not initially call this specific hit a foul in real time during the game.
This incident also prompted a previous criticism from Dan Patrick. He claimed on his show that his producers had attempted to contact the WNBA for a statement regarding Clark’s throat punch on June 25. Patrick stated that his team “never received a response” from the league following this outreach.
Subsequently, on June 26, 2026, Patrick publicly condemned the league for its “lack of communication.” He argued that the WNBA’s silence allowed the situation to “spiral out of control,” amplifying public concern and debate surrounding the incident. Following a review of the play, Alyssa Thomas was indeed dealt a one-game suspension, as the hit was upgraded to a flagrant 1 foul. However, the league itself “never publicly addressed the hit on Cl.”
The league’s handling of affairs related to Caitlin Clark has drawn wider attention, with Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White being questioned about a letter from GOP lawmakers specifically addressed to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert concerning the player.
League Expansion Plans
WNBA expansion was one of the significant topics Patrick had intended to discuss during his cancelled interview with Commissioner Engelbert. The WNBA has already announced substantial plans for growth, confirming an expansion of its regular season schedule.
Starting in 2027, the league will implement a 50-game regular season, marking it as the longest schedule in the WNBA’s history. These developments indicate a period of significant change and growth for the league under Engelbert’s leadership, despite the ongoing controversies.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has been a visible figure in the league, including speaking before the WNBA basketball draft in New York on April 13, 2026.