WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert met virtually with the players’ union executive committee and the union’s Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee on Tuesday night to address ongoing concerns about online harassment targeting players. The call was initiated at the union’s request following a series of recent incidents in which players reported receiving threats and abusive messages on social media.
One notable example involved Chelsea Gray of the Las Vegas Aces, who shared a message containing a racial slur from a man whose identity was subsequently discovered. The individual was terminated from his job at Hilton Grand Vacations after the incident came to light.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the league and union emphasized the importance of proactive communication and strengthening the partnership between the two entities. They underscored the league’s commitment to expanding security resources and exploring collaborations with outside organizations aligned with the WNBA’s values and priorities.
Efforts to combat player abuse have been ongoing in recent years, notably through the “No Space for Hate” initiative launched last season. This program incorporates artificial intelligence tools designed to help players filter out hateful comments online. When harassment intensifies, the WNBA’s security office initiates investigations to hold offenders accountable.
Discussion during the meeting also included potential avenues for pursuing greater accountability from social media platforms and establishing smoother communication channels between the league and law enforcement agencies. Elizabeth Williams, secretary of the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), highlighted the need for consistent communication from the league to help players feel more supported. “The biggest thing was communication,” Williams told reporters before a game in New York. “Communication from Cathy and the league side being a little more consistent, so we feel more comfortable.”
Recent incidents have underscored these concerns. Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun received death threats and harsh criticism on social media after an incident in which she hit Iowa’s Caitlin Clark in the throat during a game. Although no foul was called initially, the league later upgraded the call to a Flagrant-2 foul and suspended Thomas for one game. At that time, Thomas said she had not been contacted by the league regarding the threats she endured.
Natasha Cloud, also of the Chicago Sky, who had previously criticized the league for insufficient action, expressed a more measured view following Tuesday’s discussion. “There’s only so much that the league can do because people are going to be miserable and they’re going to continue to be hateful human beings,” Cloud said after practice. She noted that the league can track IP addresses and impose lifetime bans from certain arenas, teams, or leagues for offenders.
The WNBA continues to emphasize a collaborative approach between the league, players, and outside partners to curb harassment and create a safer environment for its athletes.