In the middle of the biggest media boom the WNBA has ever seen, one narrative just won’t seem to die: that the Unrivaled tour — led by top names like Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, and other Team USA-level talent — is somehow a threat to the league itself. A challenge. A pressure point. A potential problem.

Well, Cathy Engelbert has officially had enough of that nonsense — and she just put the narrative in a headlock and tossed it straight into the stands.

During a recent press conference ahead of the 2025 WNBA season, Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, was crystal clear: the Unrivaled tour is not a problem. It’s not a threat. It’s not a disruption. In fact, she sees it as a positive, and she’s tired of people trying to spin it any other way.

“This whole idea that players playing overseas or launching offseason leagues puts ‘pressure’ on us — I don’t buy it,” Engelbert said. “We’ve known this was coming. We support our players, and we’re building something sustainable — not just flashy headlines.”

Boom.

Engelbert’s words weren’t just firm. They were strategic. With the WNBA’s popularity at an all-time high — boosted by names like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and the new wave of rookie superstars — the league is facing more eyes, more scrutiny, and more noise than ever before. And yet, somehow, the conversation keeps circling back to this idea that Unrivaled is some kind of rebellion.

The truth? It’s not.

Unrivaled was born out of a need — a very real one — for elite players to have better offseason opportunities that don’t require flying to Russia, Turkey, or China for five-figure paychecks. Instead of seeing that as a challenge, Engelbert sees it as a complementary step in growing the game.

“When athletes create new platforms, they’re growing the sport. They’re adding value,” she said. “It’s not WNBA vs. Unrivaled. It’s WNBA and Unrivaled — both elevating the women’s game.”

Still, the usual online critics — and even a few media talking heads — have tried to twist the narrative. They’ve implied that Unrivaled existing proves the WNBA isn’t paying enough. That it signals player dissatisfaction. That Engelbert is “under pressure” to match overseas salaries or lose her stars.

Cathy’s response? Basically: save it.

Because here’s the real tea: under her leadership, the WNBA has landed new broadcast deals, increased team valuations, introduced charter flights, added expansion teams (hello, Golden State Valkyries!), and driven unprecedented interest in both ticket sales and merchandise. The league is finally in its growth era — and she knows exactly what she’s doing.

“You don’t build a global sports league by reacting to every headline. You build it by staying focused,” she said bluntly. “We’re investing. We’re expanding. We’re not getting distracted.”

Say it louder for the people in the back.

While Cathy didn’t name names, her tone made it clear: the online narrative trying to pit the league against its players is lazy and outdated. She’s playing chess while others are still playing clickbait checkers.

And British fans, casuals, and diehard WNBA supporters alike? They’re taking notice. The commissioner’s poise under pressure — not to mention her ability to handle tough questions with class and fire — is exactly what the league needs right now.

Unrivaled isn’t a revolution against the WNBA. It’s a reflection of how far the game has come — and how much more value there is in women’s basketball. Cathy Engelbert doesn’t see that as a threat. She sees it as a signal that they’re finally on the right track.

So next time someone tries to spin this tired narrative again, don’t be surprised if Cathy comes back with the same energy:

“We’re not afraid of growth. We’re building it.”