Engelbert’s Golf Mishap Goes Viral

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert found herself at the center of attention during the American Century Championship after a missed media appearance and an errant golf shot became talking points on the same day.

Radio host Dan Patrick alleged Engelbert backed out of a scheduled interview before cameras later caught the commissioner struggling with a bunker shot during the celebrity tournament in Lake Tahoe.

Patrick Claims Interview Was Canceled

Patrick said Engelbert had been scheduled to appear on The Dan Patrick Show on Thursday, July 9, but did not join the program.

According to Patrick, his team waited for nearly two hours before being informed that the appearance would not happen. He alleged the WNBA’s public relations staff advised Engelbert against participating in the interview, though the league has not publicly commented on the claim.

Patrick said the interview had been arranged in advance and expressed frustration over the last-minute cancellation.

Golf Shot Goes Viral

While Patrick’s show was broadcasting live from the American Century Championship, cameras captured Engelbert practicing bunker shots just a short distance away.

One attempt went well off target, quickly circulating online as viewers connected the moment with Patrick’s comments about the canceled interview. The clip spread across social media, adding another layer to the day’s controversy.

Alternative Media Appearance

Instead of appearing on Patrick’s program, Engelbert gave a brief interview to Kansas City’s Sports Radio 810 WHB.

During that conversation, she discussed the WNBA’s expansion plans rather than addressing Patrick’s allegations or the canceled interview. Neither Engelbert nor the league has publicly responded to Patrick’s account of the scheduling dispute.

Scrutiny Continues

The incident comes as Engelbert and the WNBA continue to face scrutiny over the league’s handling of a recent on-court altercation involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark and Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.

Although the league disciplined Thomas following the incident, criticism over its broader response has continued. As of Friday, Engelbert had not publicly addressed either the interview controversy or the growing criticism surrounding the league’s recent decisions.