Overview
- The Dan Patrick Show says Cathy Engelbert agreed to an interview but canceled after WNBA public relations staff advised her not to do it, and producers say they waited nearly two hours for her to appear.
- While the show was on air, camera footage showed Engelbert practicing golf nearby at the American Century Championship, a detail hosts and viewers cited as evidence she was available but withdrawn from the booking.
- Patrick and other broadcasters said the interview was expected to address the June 24 on-court incident between Alyssa Thomas and Caitlin Clark and the league’s response, a topic Engelbert has not spoken about in depth publicly.
- The WNBA has issued statements condemning threats to players and suspended Thomas for one game after a league review, but critics say the league and Engelbert have not given sufficient public answers about player safety and officiating.
- Commentators, fans, and some lawmakers have amplified pressure on Engelbert, saying the canceled appearance exposes a wider PR and leadership challenge for the league as it manages growth and intensifying scrutiny.