The rookie rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has brought attention on the WNBA to new heights in the 2024 season.

While this rivalry has come with a lot of good for the growth of the league, it’s also brought out the ugly side of these star players’ two feuding fanbases.

During her recent appearance on CNBC’s Power Lunch, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert was asked about the increase of racist, sexist and homophobic vitriol on social media — specifically in reference to the rivalry between Clark and Reese.

Instead of denouncing the racism, sexism and homophobia being directed toward her players, Engelbert instead chose to speak about the league’s increased cultural impact and money-making opportunities.

“There’s no more apathy. Everybody cares. It is a little bit of that Bird-Magic moment if you recall, from 1979,” Engelbert said. “When those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one black. And so we have that moment with these two.

“But the one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry,” Engelbert added. “That’s what makes people watch, They want to watch games of consequence between rivals. They don’t want everybody being nice to one another.”

WNBA fans and players are not happy with this response. Some are even calling for Engelbert’s dismissal as the league’s commissioner.

“Serious question: How is Cathy Engelbert able to keep her job? What has she done to elevate the WNBA? They asked her about racism and sexism. She responded with verbal garbage that highlighted rivalry and endorsements. She needs to go ASAP and is a part of the problem,” one wrote.

“Like many of us have been saying, the @WNBA is complicit in pushing the rhetoric this season without regard for the players, their safety, or their mental health. The players are people, not just a product. Shame on Cathy Engelbert and everyone involved,” another added.

“Cathy Engelbert is a terrible commissioner who clearly has no plan to protect players in the league and is mentally stuck in 1979,” another said.

“Cathy Englebert should not be the commissioner of this league… There’s been so many indications before but being asked about racism and saying it’s makes a good rivalry and its good for marketing is insane…” another wrote.