WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issues apology to players for controversial statement on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry

After facing backlash for her controversial statement on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese's rivalry, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert issued an apology to WNBA players via letters on Friday.

Engelbert highlighted that she "missed the mark" with her statement as she apologized and expressed regret.

"I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race, and simply put, my answer missed the mark and I'm sorry," Engelbert wrote to the players.

"I regret that I didn't express, in a clear and definitive way, condemnation of the hateful speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media."

This comes after Cathy Engelbert hinted that rivalries are great for business instead of taking a stance for her players during an appearance on CNBC's "The Lunch" on Monday.

When asked about the "more menacing" tone used by some fans on social media this season, especially concerning the alleged Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese rivalry, Englebert explained the benefit of their rivalry to the league.

"The one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry," Engelbert said. "That's what makes people watch. They want to watch games of consequence between rivals. They don't want everybody being nice to one other."

The WNBA Commissioner also compared Clark and Reese to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson entering the NBA in 1979.

"Those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry. One white, one black. And so we have the moment with these two," Englebert said.

"Certainly from marketing dollars, but corporate sponsors are stepping up to endorse these players much more so than they were five years ago because they see the benefit of having diverse women representing their brand."

Watch the segment at 3:24 here:

Cathy Engelbert clarifies her stance following her take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese's rivalry

Following her take on the alleged rivalry between the two star rookies instead of condemning online hate of her players, Cathy Engelbert later posted a direct response to the online hate question. Engelbert took to X, formerly Twitter, to clarify that she's opposed to hate and racism.

"During a recent media interview, I was asked about the dark side of social media and online conversation about WNBA rivalries and race," Engelbert tweeted. "To be clear, there is absolutely no place for hate or racism of any kind in the WNBA or anywhere else."

Various WNBA players, including reigning WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart, expressed disappointment over the words of the league's commissioner on Monday. The WNBPA also issued an official statement from the executive director Terri Jackson, condemning Cathy Engelbert's comments.