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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert<\/strong> has finally addressed the elephant in the room: UConn<\/strong> phenom and No. 1 draft pick Paige Bueckers’<\/strong><\/a> groundbreaking three-year deal with the upstart Unrivaled<\/strong> women’s basketball league. And her response? Surprisingly direct, downplaying the news as old hat while subtly highlighting the WNBA’s own strengths.<\/p>\n The revelation that Bueckers’ first-year salary with Unrivaled surpasses her entire four-year rookie scale contract<\/strong> in the WNBA sent shockwaves through the sports world, reigniting the ongoing debate about WNBA player salaries.<\/p>\n ESPN’s<\/em>Kendra Andrews’<\/strong> tweet highlighting this stark financial disparity amplified the conversation, making it impossible to ignore. However, when Engelbert faced the music during a media availability on April 14, her reaction was far from the expected outrage or concern<\/strong>.<\/p>\n “I think first of all, I think Paige already announced that six months ago,”<\/em> Engelbert stated bluntly, as reported by SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell<\/strong>. “I think it was quite some time ago, it was already announced that Paige was signing a three-year deal with them.”<\/em><\/p>\n Engelbert then pivoted, offering a seemingly supportive<\/strong>, yet subtly defensive, stance on the rival league. “Obviously, I’m very proud of what Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart have thought through with that league,”<\/em> she added, acknowledging the WNBA stars spearheading Unrivaled<\/strong>. <\/p>\n She then drew a clear distinction, emphasizing the WNBA’s established infrastructure and reach<\/strong>. “I know it’s a lot easier to do 30 [players] in one spot. So we obviously travel the world, and the US, and have a big platform. So I think what the WNBA<\/a> offers is a huge platform for players around their corporate partners.”<\/em><\/p>\n Engelbert concluded by offering a seemingly magnanimous perspective<\/strong>, stating, “Anything that raises the game of women’s basketball, obviously, we support.”<\/em><\/p>\n The Commissioner<\/strong> stated, “We are thrilled with the momentum we have coming off the NCAA season, coming off Unrivaled<\/a>, but certainly thrilled with the viewership we have, and the momentum we have, and the capital coming into our league, as well as the investments our owners are making.”<\/em><\/p>\n While Engelbert’s words suggest a supportive stance towards any growth in women’s basketball<\/strong>, her initial bluntness and quick pivot to the WNBA’s advantages indicate a clear awareness of the competitive landscape<\/strong> and the financial allure Unrivaled presents.<\/p>\n The commissioner’s reaction, while seemingly diplomatic, subtly underscores the ongoing salary challenges the WNBA faces<\/strong> as a new league with significant financial backing enters the scene, potentially changing the game for top-tier talent like Paige Bueckers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe reach of the WNBA is still unmatched<\/h2>\n
Engelbert is aware of the competition they face<\/h2>\n