Phoenix Mercury suspends Alyssa Thomas for incident with Caitlin Clark
Phoenix Mercury suspends Alyssa Thomas for on-court incident with Caitlin Clark.
Event / Sports
WNBA Leadership and Growth
Coverage of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's tenure, retirement, and the league's expansion and development including viewership growth, salary increases, franchise valuations, media rights agreements, and organizational challenges.
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28 articles0 articles
2026-07-20 – 2026-09-16 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 20 Jul, 03:59 UTC
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What happened
WNBA announces charter flight program for all teams
The WNBA announced that all teams would receive charter travel, following earlier controversy when some teams received charter flights due to special considerations while others did not.
WNBA experienced significant growth during Engelbert's tenure
During Engelbert's seven-year tenure as commissioner, the WNBA experienced its most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history. Television ratings rose, player salaries increased, franchise valuations grew from approximately $10 million in 2019 to about $460 million in 2026, and the league negotiated an 11-year, $3.1 billion media rights agreement.
Napheesa Collier criticizes WNBA leadership and governance
Minnesota Lynx forward Napheesa Collier, a five-time All-Star and vice president of the players' association executive committee, publicly criticized WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, calling the leadership negligent and describing the league as having 'the worst leadership in the world' during a postseason press conference.
WNBA plans expansion to 15 teams
The WNBA announced plans to expand from 12 to 15 teams, with Cleveland launching in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Engelbert negotiated this expansion as part of her tenure.
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray experiences racial abuse online
Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray reported receiving racial abuse, including a racial slur directed at her online by a Hilton Grand Vacations employee, who was subsequently terminated.
Cathy Engelbert announces retirement as WNBA Commissioner
Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement as WNBA Commissioner, effective at the end of 2026. She has served in the role since May 2019, becoming the league's first commissioner. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the decision.
Phoenix Mercury's Alyssa Thomas receives suspension for incident with Caitlin Clark
Phoenix Mercury player Alyssa Thomas received a one-game suspension for an on-court incident with Indiana Fever player Caitlin Clark that resulted in significant controversy and online backlash against Thomas.
WNBA players negotiate historic collective bargaining agreement
WNBA players and the league completed a collective bargaining agreement negotiation that lasted approximately 18 months, culminating in eight days of marathon meetings. The agreement increased the salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, with super-max salaries reaching $1.4 million in 2026, up from $249,244 in 2025.
Players criticize WNBA Commissioner over social media hate and safety
WNBA players and the players union criticized Commissioner Engelbert for not taking a stronger stance against racism, hate speech, and online vitriol directed at players on social media, expressing concerns about player safety and the league's response to threats.
Physical altercation between Napheesa Collier and Tiffany Hayes during Valkyries-Lynx game
During the first quarter of the game on August 24, 2026, with approximately 4:57 remaining and the Lynx leading 8-4, Napheesa Collier and Tiffany Hayes engaged in a physical altercation. Hayes grabbed and held Collier's arm as Minnesota brought the ball up. After a foul was called, the two players stepped up against each other and multiple teammates had to intervene to prevent further escalation.
Minnesota Lynx starters struggle with shooting in loss to Valkyries
In the Minnesota Lynx's 80-66 loss to the Golden State Valkyries on August 24, 2026, the team's starting lineup struggled significantly from the field. Olivia Miles, Kayla McBride, and Natasha Howard combined to miss 23 of 31 shots. Among the five starters, only Maya Caldwell shot above 40 percent from the field.
Courtney Williams misses Minnesota Lynx game due to right foot injury
Courtney Williams, an All-Star for the Minnesota Lynx, missed the game against the Golden State Valkyries on August 24, 2026, due to a right foot injury. This ended an impressive streak of 122 consecutive games played since she joined the team in 2024, marking her first missed game since joining the Lynx.
Cecilia Zandalasini scores 18 points in Valkyries' win over Lynx
Cecilia Zandalasini led the Golden State Valkyries' scoring with 18 points in their 80-66 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on August 24, 2026. Zandalasini performed notably in the fourth quarter. She was a former player for the Minnesota Lynx before joining Golden State.
Golden State Valkyries defeat Minnesota Lynx 80-66
The Golden State Valkyries defeated the Minnesota Lynx 80-66 on August 24, 2026. This was the Valkyries' first win against Minnesota after losing all nine previous matches against them since the franchise began in 2025. The Lynx were held to their lowest point total of the season. Golden State recorded 12 steals compared to Minnesota's 2, and forced 18 turnovers leading to 21 points.
Tiffany Hayes scores 14 points in Minnesota Lynx loss
Tiffany Hayes finished the game against the Golden State Valkyries on August 24, 2026, with 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, adding three rebounds and four assists in the Lynx's 80-66 loss.
Jonquel Jones scores 19 points and grabs 10 rebounds despite ankle injury
Jonquel Jones, who had suffered an ankle injury in the previous Liberty game, recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds against Indiana. Breanna Stewart added 22 points for New York.
Leonie Fiebich returns from seven-week injury to score 20 points
Leonie Fiebich returned to play after a seven-week injury absence, recording 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 34 minutes for the New York Liberty. She helped lead the team to victory and played nine points in the third quarter alone.
Caitlin Clark records 21 points and 7 assists in loss to Liberty
Caitlin Clark, who leads the league in assists and ranks third in scoring, had 21 points and seven assists for Indiana despite the team's loss. She entered the game as one of the league's statistical leaders.
New York Liberty improves record to 23-15 with recent winning streak
The New York Liberty improved their record to 23-15 with the victory over Indiana, extending their record to 10-3 over their last 13 games.
New York Liberty defeats Indiana Fever 109-102 in WNBA game
The New York Liberty defeated the Indiana Fever 109-102 on Saturday night in a WNBA game. Both teams shot better than 50% from the floor for the game, with New York making 24 of 29 free throws to secure the victory. The teams split their season series 2-2, with the home team winning every matchup.
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2 alternative perspectives
WNBA Expands Player Safety Measures Amid Online Harassment Concerns
WNBA implements charter flights and addresses online harassment targeting players with operational safety improvements.
Engelbert's WNBA tenure ends as league expands to 15 teams
Engelbert retires as WNBA Commissioner as league expands to 15 teams amid historic player agreement.
Collier and Hayes clash in heated Valkyries-Lynx altercation
Collier and Hayes clashed physically during Valkyries-Lynx game.
Valkyries defeat injury-plagued Lynx behind Zandalasini's 18 points
Valkyries beat injury-hobbled Lynx 80-66 behind Zandalasini's 18-point performance.
Liberty's playoff push strengthens with victory over playoff-contending Fever
Liberty beats Fever 109-102 to strengthen playoff position with key players returning and performing.
Sparks, Mercury struggle to find playoff footing amid roster adjustments
Sparks and Mercury struggle with 10-17 and 11-19 records respectively, far from playoff positioning.
Plum traded to Mercury after injury-plagued Sparks tenure
Plum traded to Mercury after injury ended her Sparks season; fourth All-Star mid-season trade in WNBA history.
Dream Edge Wings in Thriller as Reese Records Double-Double
Dream edge Wings 82-81 behind Reese's 22 points and 12 rebounds.
WNBA clears players in betting incident, deletes social media post
WNBA cleared players in $400 betting incident despite league wagering ban in collective bargaining agreement.
All-Star performers shine: Jones, Mabrey lead standout individual efforts
Jones led Team Spoon to All-Star victory; Mabrey scored 23 points for Team Coop in standout performances.
Fudd drafted first overall by Dallas Wings in 2026 WNBA Draft
Azzi Fudd selected first overall by Dallas Wings in 2026 WNBA Draft.