The WNBA already had an image problem, and commissioner Cathy Engelbert just made it even worse.
During the 2025 WNBA season, the league suffered from a lack of consistency among referees, which multiple WNBA coaches and fans brought to the forefront.
Engelbert all but ignored those concerns, and as more star players continued to go down with injury, nothing was done.
During the WNBA playoffs, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier was injured in a game against the Phoenix Mercury, where Alyssa Thomas stole the ball from her, knocking her to the ground, and sealing the victory for the Mercury.