Overview
- The Dan Patrick Show and its crew promoted an appearance by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert that was scheduled for July 9, then waited roughly 90 to 120 minutes before being told she would not join the broadcast.
- Patrick says WNBA public-relations staff advised Engelbert against the interview after she had agreed, and the program’s producer contacted the league repeatedly during the delay.
- Instead of joining Patrick, Engelbert later spoke on Sports Radio 810 WHB in Kansas City, where she addressed expansion but, according to Patrick, did not take questions about other contentious topics.
- Patrick publicly condemned the no-show as poor optics and said the canceled appearance denied a chance to ask tough but fair questions about issues including the handling of incidents involving Caitlin Clark.
- The episode adds pressure on Engelbert and the WNBA as the league grows its audience, raising calls for clearer media policies, more direct answers from the commissioner, and a likely demand for a makeup interview.