Caitlin Clark calls for 'great leadership'; Sophie Cunningham doubles down on WNBA commissioner condemnation

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Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark emphasized the need for "great leadership" amid the controversy that has engulfed the WNBA following alleged remarks made by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. 

Meanwhile, teammate Sophie Cunningham doubled down on her damnation of Engelbert, saying the league is "failing" its players. 

Caitlin Clark poses with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert after she is selected as the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever in the 2024 WNBA Draft at Brooklyn Academy of Music in Brooklyn, N.Y., April 15, 2024. (Brad Penner/USA Today Sports)

The two Fever stars addressed the situation during their exit interviews on Thursday.

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Clark, who missed the majority of her sophomore campaign due to a groin and ankle injury, said she was unaware of the remarks Engelbert allegedly made during a conversation with Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier and has not spoken to the commissioner since. 

Collier claimed during her exit interview Tuesday that Engelbert made patronizing comments about player concerns, including officiating and compensation. With regard to player injuries like Clark’s, Collier claimed Engelbert said, "Caitlin should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court, because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything." 

"I have great respect for Phee, and I think she made a lot of very valid points. And I think what people need to understand [is that] we need great leadership in this time across all levels," Clark said in response. 

Sophie Cunningham, left, and Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever cheer from the bench against the