Caught on camera grinning and tap dancing while the league’s brightest star is left broken and bruised — WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert now faces the wrath of fans, players, and even NBA’s top brass. And Adam Silver? He’s had enough.
New York — The basketball world is in utter disbelief after explosive new footage surfaced showing WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert smiling — even tap dancing backstage — moments after a league decision that many believe irreparably damaged Caitlin Clark’s rookie season.
And if that wasn’t enough to set fans off, what happened next definitely did.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, usually reserved and diplomatic in public, was reportedly overheard during a media event furiously confronting Engelbert’s inner circle — slamming what he sees as the WNBA’s growing negligence in protecting its stars and handling its internal politics.
“You’re supposed to be leading the league, not laughing while it burns,” one source quoted Silver as saying.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
The controversy started when Clark — the WNBA’s biggest rookie sensation in years — suffered a series of harsh on-court collisions and what many are calling targeted aggression from veteran players.
Despite public outcry and repeated concerns from analysts, fans, and even former players, the league remained silent. No suspensions. No fines. No formal statements defending or protecting Clark.
Instead, what emerged was a video clip from backstage during the same game week — showing Engelbert clapping along, laughing, and performing a light-hearted tap routine during a sponsor meet-and-greet.
The timing? Just hours after Clark was brutally fouled and helped off the court.
“Was She Mocking The Situation?”
Twitter erupted as the clip made the rounds. Fans didn’t hold back:
“Caitlin’s out there getting knocked to the floor and Cathy’s backstage doing a full-on dance break? Are we a joke to you?”
– @WNBADefenseMatters
“Imagine Adam Silver dancing after LeBron got body-checked. It would be a national scandal. But for Caitlin Clark? Silence.”
– @HoopsUnfiltered
Even several former WNBA stars have spoken up, calling the moment tone-deaf and deeply disrespectful.
Adam Silver’s Reported Reaction: “Enough is Enough”
According to sources present at a closed-door sports leadership summit earlier this week, Adam Silver did not hold back.
Multiple witnesses claim he was visibly upset, questioning why Clark — the most-watched and highest-drawing player the league has seen in years — continues to be left without institutional support.
“She’s your Steph Curry, your LeBron, your Jordan. And you let her get knocked around with zero consequences? And then dance about it?”
– a source quoting Silver’s frustration
One insider said Silver made it clear: the WNBA risks losing fan trust and broader support if its leadership continues to show what he allegedly called “performative indifference.”
Is There a Deeper Rift Between NBA and WNBA Leadership?
This isn’t the first time questions have been raised about the relationship between the NBA and WNBA executives.
While Silver and Engelbert appear united in public, several insiders now believe there’s growing tension — particularly over how to handle rising stars, league marketing, and the Caitlin Clark effect.
The NBA has poured significant media and financial support into the WNBA in recent years, especially in marketing rookies like Clark. But continued public backlash over the league’s handling of her protection — both on and off the court — is reportedly frustrating Silver and other NBA stakeholders.
What Happens Next?
Engelbert has not officially responded to the tap dancing video or the public outrage.
Clark remains with her team, but sources close to her camp say “she’s physically and mentally drained” by the lack of support.
Fans are now demanding:
Clear rules on flagrant fouls and player safety
Public apology from the league leadership
Immediate action to prevent further targeting of star players
Final Thought
The WNBA is at a crossroads.
It has in Caitlin Clark a once-in-a-generation talent — someone who brings in crowds, merchandise sales, and millions of new eyes.
But what happens when the league meant to support her appears to laugh while she suffers?
Adam Silver’s alleged outburst might just be the warning shot — because if change doesn’t come from the top, the fans might bring it themselves.
One thing is clear: Tap dancing around real issues? That won’t work anymore.
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