WNBA Prioritizes Season, Forgoing Celebrity Golf

League commissioner focuses on playoffs, media deals, and the impact of rising stars

While acknowledging the potential benefits of cross-promotional events, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert indicated that the league’s current priorities lie elsewhere, specifically with the competitive regular season and burgeoning media partnerships.

Playoff Push Prevents Players’ Golf Outings

**Engelbert** doesn’t foresee WNBA players participating in events like the American Century Championship in the immediate future. The focus remains on the intense battle for playoff spots during the regular season.

“So unfortunately, I don’t think our players in the near term will be able to compete (in the ACC), but they compete outside of this season. So again, it’s great networking, great to carry the brand here at the American Century Championship.” said Engelbert.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Growth

Instead of extracurriculars, **Engelbert** envisions amplified visibility and revenue through strategic corporate alliances. Since 2019, when Engelbert took the helm after leaving Deloitte, the WNBA has experienced substantial growth, particularly in the 2024 season.

Notably, media rights are a major driver for the WNBA, with the value of media rights deals surging in recent years (Forbes 2024). As a result, the WNBA now showcases over 205 games on national broadcasts.

“As a sports league, one of the most important revenue sources is media and partnerships. So, on the business side of things, that would be great. One of the impediments to our players participating in this is that we’re in the middle of a really competitive season. A lot of people fighting for playoff spots. The All-Star Game’s next week,” noted Engelbert at the American Century Championship press conference.

The “Caitlin Clark” Effect

**Engelbert** also addressed the undeniable impact of rising stars like **Caitlin Clark** on the WNBA’s soaring popularity. Since the COVID-19 pandemic propelled the WNBA into the spotlight, several factors have contributed to this surge.

“You need a household, you need rivals, you need games of consequence to get people to watch. You need to have your games shown on national broadcast. We got 80 of our games, out of 240 games, when I came in now came over 205. So, I mean, if you build it, they will come. There’s no more apathy for the WNBA,” stated Engelbert.

The American Century Championship, featuring **Engelbert** among 90+ athletes and celebrities, airs from Friday to Sunday on NBC, Peacock, and the GOLF Channel.