Legendary broadcaster Dan Patrick didn't mince words this week when WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert pulled a no-show on his nationally-syndicated radio program. Patrick had set aside two hours for a sit-down with Engelbert to tackle the hottest topics in women's basketball, but she never appeared. The reason? The league's PR department advised her to bail.
“The WNBA PR staff said they would prefer if she does not do this. You’re the commissioner and you’re listening to the PR department? Did you check with PR before you said yes to us?” Patrick fumed on Friday’s show. “I know people get busy and people have agendas. This was her opportunity to finally say, ‘Hey, you can ask me the tough questions.’ I thought this was going to be a good thing for the WNBA.”
Patrick didn't stop there. He framed the snub as a missed chance for the league to prove it can handle scrutiny. “We’re just trying to be a journalist and ask questions, that’s all,” he said. “If you want to be treated as a serious league, this is what happens. These are tough questions, but this is a fair outlet for you — a fair platform. I will treat you with respect.”
The incident echoes a recent moment when Angel Reese blasted the WNBA All-Star voting process as disrespectful, signaling that players and media alike are tired of being brushed aside. Engelbert, who has been commissioner since 2019, has faced growing criticism for her handling of league affairs, and this latest PR stumble only adds fuel to the fire.
Sports media analyst Richard Deitsch sided with Patrick, noting the show’s track record of fair, adult conversations. “This is eminently fair by Patrick. It’s a sports radio show that has shown journalistic intent and query over a long period of time,” Deitsch said. “I’m sure the league wants the ASG to be the first public Q&A for Cathy Engelbert after a long stretch. Understandable. But this is a forum that would be fair and doesn’t have a history of performative WNBA takes. You could have used it as a test run for the ASG.”
Fans on social media were quick to pile on. “Absolutely disrespectful move by the WNBA. Dan Patrick is one of the best in the business,” one fan posted. Another declared, “Cathy Engelbert is a coward & not fit to lead imo.” A third added, “Cathy Engelbert should not be the commissioner of this league. She is not ready for the moment.”
The backlash comes as Engelbert is already under fire for her response to player concerns, including a tense exchange with Alyssa Thomas that left many questioning her leadership. While a change at the top isn’t imminent, moves like this only amplify the noise around her tenure.
Patrick, known for his sharp but fair interviews, made it clear he wasn’t looking for a fight—just a conversation. “Would the answers be tough? Yes, and I’m sure that had something to do with it,” he said. For a league trying to grow its audience and credibility, dodging a straightforward interview with a respected journalist is a risky game.
