WNBA commissioner meets with players amid rising tensions over security and harassment

By James Carter — 23 July 2026 — 3 min read

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert met with player committees on Tuesday to address concerns regarding security, officiating, and online harassment. The virtual meeting, requested by the Women’s National Basketball Players’ Association (WNBPA), included the WNBPA executive committee, the league’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion committee, and league security leadership. This discussion followed a controversial play involving Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas and Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

Elizabeth Williams, a center for the Chicago Sky and WNBPA secretary, emphasized the need for more consistent communication from the league. She noted that while steps are being taken, players desire greater consistency. The WNBPA sought the meeting to discuss how the league could be more proactive in handling crises that significantly affect players.

Addressing Player Safety and Online Abuse

A joint statement released by the league and union on Wednesday highlighted the importance of early issue resolution through proactive communication and strengthening the league-union relationship. The league committed to enhancing security resources and collaborating with organizations that align with its values and shared priorities.

Since Thomas’s suspension, several players have reported experiencing online harassment, including racial slurs and death threats. Thomas herself received death threats and online abuse after a one-game suspension for contact with Clark during a game. She stated that the league had not contacted her regarding the suspension or the aftermath of the incident.

Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray also spoke out about the abuse, including a racial slur directed at her online, which led to an employee’s termination. Gray expressed a desire for people to reconsider spreading hate and shared her experience to shed light on the harassment faced by some Black WNBA players.

Enhanced Security Measures and Officiating Concerns

The WNBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, a seven-year deal reached in March, codified security measures. This agreement mandates that every team secure at least one security officer to accompany players during all team-related activities. Most teams now travel with a minimum of two security guards, a practice that many teams had already implemented at least three years prior.

Alysha Clark, a forward for the Dallas Wings, recalled an incident from early in her career where fans followed her to her car after a game, an experience she believes should not have occurred. Now, team security accompanies players to their cars both at home and on the road. Breanna Stewart, WNBPA vice president, noted a shift in security measures since joining the New York Liberty in 2023, with the Liberty traveling with three security guards.

Before this season, each WNBA market had two WNBA security representatives working with arena personnel and local law enforcement; this number has increased to three this season. Protocols for online harassment include players, coaches, and executives reporting material to team security, who then coordinate with the league. The league’s Global Security Operations Center assesses and investigates threats, potentially pursuing bans and referrals to law enforcement.

Discussions on Tuesday also covered pursuing accountability from tech companies for harassment on social media platforms and streamlining communication among team security, the league, and law enforcement when necessary. The reporting process was also clarified for players.

Regarding officiating, players stressed accountability, particularly concerning the Thomas-Clark play where no foul was called during the game. Thomas was later fined and received a flagrant penalty 2. Williams indicated that uncalled clear fouls lead to unnecessary backlash for players that could be avoided with real-time calls. While solutions like a replay center and a Last Two Minute Report, similar to those used by the NBA, were discussed, Williams stated these options are not planned for the current season. Although no similar meetings are currently scheduled, the idea of making these discussions more frequent was raised.

Source: nytimes.com