Republican lawmakers press WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to protect Caitlin Clark

Dan Dakich reacts to Caitlin Clark trying to downplay her star status in the WNBA after the Alyssa Thomas altercation.

The criticism of WNBA officiating has now reached Capitol Hill.

Just days after Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark publicly called on the league to do a better job protecting its players, a group of Republican lawmakers is demanding answers from WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE

Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever during the game against the Phoenix Mercury at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 24, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Andy Lyons / Getty Images)

In a letter led by Rep. August Pfluger, chairman of the Republican Study Committee, and co-signed by a dozen members of Congress — including lawmakers from Indiana — the group argued that the WNBA has failed to adequately protect its biggest star from repeated unnecessary physical play.

"Caitlin Clark is transforming women's sports," the letter began. "She has inspired a new generation of young girls to participate in athletics and has become one of the most influential figures in the history of women's basketball."

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference before the WNBA All-Star basketball game on July 19, 2025, in Indianapolis, Indiana. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

The lawmakers also point to Clark's impact on the league's popularity.

"She is also the face of your league," they wrote. "Clark has significantly increased fan interest, driven record television ratings, and attracted new corporate sponsors for the WNBA."

From there, though, the letter turns sharply toward the league's handling of on-court physicality.

"Unfortunately, what they too often witness is not simply aggressive