‘Terrible News,’ ‘Haters Will Croak’

Caitlin Clark's indirect connection to the WNBA's search for a new commissioner has left fans divided. Last month, Cathy Engelbert announced that she would be retiring after the 2026 season.

As reported by Christine Brennan, the NBA has retained Excel Search & Advisory, the search division of the same agency that represents Clark, to lead the W's search for its next commissioner.

Caitlin Clark Link to WNBA Commissioner Hunt Divides Fans

As one of the biggest draws in basketball, Clark has her fair share of admirers and critics. So, her connection to the WNBA commissioner search drew mixed reactions from fans.

One observer claimed that the news would be rough for Clark's "haters," and wrote:

"The WNBA hired CC's executive search arm for the new commissioner job! The haters will croak."

Sports journalist Chuck Modi reacted by calling the news "terrible."

"This is terrible news," he wrote.

X user @SportsPatriotUS offered a different perspective, calling the move a positive.

"This has the potential to be a positive move for the WNBA. I am reluctantly optimistic at best," they wrote.

"PLEASE, I HOPE THINGS CHANGE."

Fans remained divided on the subject, with some expressing optimism while others were skeptical.

"Idk about this, Excel hasn't really helped CC. And before anyone says anything, this is the same agency that represents Dijonai Carrington, Arike and Caitlin. So some adults are in the room," X user @DayDreamThis noted.

"Please happen," wrote sports commentator @letstalkksports.

While Excel Search & Advisory will narrow down candidates to succeed Engelbert, multiple sources have reported that the final decision will lie with NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Cathy Engelbert's tenure saw the league reach new heights in popularity, viewership, and attendance. She also negotiated a $3.1 billion media rights deal, the largest and most lucrative package in league history.

But she became a polarizing figure toward the end of her tenure, with several strained relationships with key players and reported contentious CBA negotiations drawing criticism.

MORE: WNBA World Reacts to Reported List of Candidates To Replace Cathy Engelbert As Commissioner

Nneka Ogwumike, who will retire at the end of the 2026 season, has emerged as a candidate to replace Engelbert.

Former WNBA players Swin Cash and Bethany Donaphin have also emerged as candidates. The league is also reportedly looking at executives from the NBA and NFL.

The next commissioner will inherit a league with growing momentum while also having to foster good relationships with influential players. The coming months will reveal who takes the reins.

With fans divided over Clark's agency's involvement, the search for Engelbert's successor will be closely watched.

This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.