WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert booed by crowd during WNBA Finals

Cathy Engelbert didn’t obtain a heat welcome in Phoenix on Friday night.

The WNBA commissioner took the sphere to current the Finals trophy to the Las Vegas Aces, however she was promptly met with boos.

One participant within the crowd was even seen giving the center finger as Engelbert spoke to congratulate the Aces.

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WNBA Commissioner Catherine Engelbert addresses the group after the Las Vegas Aces received Recreation 4 of the 2025 WNBA Playoffs Finals on the Mortgage Matchup Heart on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Las Vegas Aces defeat the Phoenix Mercury 97-86 to win the championship. (Christian Petersen/Getty Photographs)

“Properly, we’re right here at present to rejoice a champion. Thanks to all of the followers. Phoenix has had an ideal run to get right here, and I simply wish to congratulate the Aces on their achievement, 2025 WNBA champions,” Engelbert mentioned amid continued boos.

The Aces, regardless of finishing the sweep for his or her third title in 4 years, appeared visibly uncomfortable, and Finals MVP A’ja Wilson confirmed a involved look.

Engelbert has come beneath plenty of criticism not too long ago because the commissioner reportedly made dismissive and patronizing feedback about gamers’ considerations. Napheesa Collier additionally claimed that Engelbert mentioned Caitlin Clark “needs to be grateful that she’s making $16 million off the court docket as a result of with out the platform the WNBA provides her, she would not be making something.”

Collier additionally claimed that Engelbert informed her, “Gamers have to get on their knees and thank their fortunate stars for the media rights deal I bought them.”

“When you may have nice gamers, you need to deal with them like that, and that is from high to backside,” Aces level guard Chelsea Grey mentioned after the sport.

Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner, presents the Most Useful Participant award to A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces after profitable Recreation 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals on the Mortgage Matchup Heart on October 10, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Chris Coduto/Getty Photographs)

WNBA NEEDS CAITLIN CLARK MORE THAN THEY NEED THE LEAGUE, SAYS TALLER SPORTSCASTER THAN PATRICK

Wilson shared her displeasure with Engelbert earlier this month, saying she was “disgusted” by Engelbert’s feedback. Wilson performed a tambourine to rejoice Grey’s feedback Friday.

Whereas discussing the alleged feedback about Clark, Engelbert denied making them.

“Clearly, I did not make these feedback. Caitlin has been a transformational participant on this league. She has been an ideal consultant of the sport. She has introduced tens of hundreds of thousands of latest followers to the sport,” Engelbert mentioned at a information convention final week.

Clark mentioned the league is in a “second that we have to make the most of.”

“I believe for me, and I’ve mentioned this many occasions, it is all about relationships, and that is the reality,” Clark mentioned final week. “And I do know that is very onerous to say in skilled sports activities. However whether or not it is a relationship together with your entrance workplace, whether or not it is a relationship with the commissioner of the league, whether or not it is your relationship together with your teammates – that is a very powerful factor in management.”

Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after being chosen by the Indiana Fever with the No. 1 total decide within the 2024 WNBA Draft on the Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, New York, on April 15, 2024. (Brad Penner/USA TODAY Sports activities)

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The WNBA’s present collective bargaining settlement ends on October 31.

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