“Another Conspiracy Theory Proven Fact”: Caitlin Clark Fans React as Cathy Engelbert Reportedly Chose Not to Build Relation With Fever Superstar

Caitlin Clark fans had their "I told you so" moment on Friday after a report suggested that WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert never tried to build a relationship with the Indiana Fever superstar.

Many of Clark's fans felt the league didn't do enough to promote her or recognize her influence in improving the WNBA's popularity.

Here's what the report from Sports Business Journal said:

"In conversations with multiple executives with ties to teams and the league, the No. 1 prerequisite for the next commissioner should be "relationship repair" and/or "relationship building" — and that is in reaction to Engelbert's perceived disconnect with coaches, GMs, players and specifically Clark herself."

The report supported the claim, noting that Cathy Engelbert has not attended an Indiana Fever game since 2024. She was scheduled to do so in August, but the trip was canceled. A league spokesperson conveyed that Engelbert declined an interview for this story.

The report added that Engelbert was cautious about avoiding any "preponderance of Caitlin Clark favoritism" as the league largely consisted of Black athletes, which, according to her critics, she took too far.

Clark's fans quickly pointed out their two years' worth of belief that Engelbert didn't do enough to build a relationship with the Fever superstar after this report surfaced.

"Another conspiracy theory proven fact," one fan wrote.

Sophie Cunningham questions why people are reluctant to credit Caitlin Clark for her impact in women's sports

Caitlin Clark's Fever teammate Sophie Cunningham questioned why people do not give the superstar point guard her flowers. On Colin Cowherd's show , the host and Cunningham broke down Clark's impact.

"I look at her and I think she's got Jordan's ascension, Curry's game, and Larry Bird's personality. Am I wrong?" Cowherd said.

Cunningham agreed with Cowherd's statement. She then elaborated on Clark's personality and what she has done for the sport.

"I think that Larry Bird honestly might have a little bit more sass," she said. "Caitlin is just her own. Her own personality. Especially off the court, she is strictly basketball. She loves to sit on the couch, she loves to watch TV, she's very simple."

Cunningham said it was a "blessing" to have Clark in the WNBA. Cunningham noted that the league has always been talented, but credited Clark with drawing attention and making people see why the WNBA is worth watching.

After mentioning these aspects, Cunningham raised the big question of Clark not getting her flowers.

"I don't know why people are so reluctant to give her her flowers," she said.

The discourse around Caitlin Clark and her influence has been prominent as she rounds off her third season in the WNBA after a few weeks. Many who believe Clark alone isn't responsible for the league's growth over the past two years blame her fans and certain media personnel for dismissing the greats before her and what they brought to the table. Read more: "It's Epically Awesome to Watch": Lauren Jackson Loves Watching Caitlin Clark, Hopes Fever Win WNBA Title

College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football , men's college basketball , women's college basketball , and college baseball !