WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has responded to criticism over her recent comments on racism and homophobia within the league.

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s blockbuster arrivals in the WNBA have brought a major boost to the league and a new fanbase but this season has also seen a rise in tensions.

Racism and homophobia have been used when fans defend their favorite players in the two-sided rivalry, which has been likened to the Larry Bird-Magic Johnson clash of the NBA.

Engelbert was asked earlier this week about how the league ‘tries to stay ahead’ of racism and homophobia in this rivalry during an appearance on CNBC.

However, the commissioner’s response severely missed the mark, leading many fans and players to accuse her of dodging the question.

Engelbert addressed the issue in a letter sent to players, apologizing for her comments.

‘I was asked a question about WNBA rivalries and the dark side of social media and race, and simply put, my answer missed the mark and I’m sorry,’ she wrote in the letter obtained by ESPN.

‘I regret that I didn’t express, in a clear and definitive way, condemnation of the hateful speech that is all too often directed at WNBA players on social media. … I should have stated directly and unequivocally that hate speech is harmful. This is a teachable moment and one I embrace with humility.

‘There is absolutely no room for racism, misogyny, homophobia and other forms of hate in the WNBA or anywhere. I know many of you have been dealing with it for a long time. I want us as a league to do our part to change the too often toxic and abusive nature of social media discourse.’

Instead of addressing the issues plaguing the league, Engelbert had used the question to promote the on-court rivalry between Clark and Reese instead.

‘Well the one thing that’s great about the league right now, we do sit at this intersection of culture, and sports, and fashion and music. Like, the WNBA players are really looked at now as kind of cultural icons,’ she said, responding to the question about managing the vitriol.

‘And when you have that, you have a lot of attention on you. There’s no more apathy. Everybody cares. It is a little bit of that Bird-Magic moment if you recall from 1979.

‘When those two rookies came in from a big college rivalry, one white, one black. And so we have that moment with these two.

‘But the one thing I know about sports, you need rivalry. That’s what makes people watch, they want to watch games of consequence between rivals. They don’t want everybody being nice to one another.’

The answer sparked fury around the league with players, fans and sports writers hitting out at the commissioner.

Las Vegas Aces star Alysha Clark tweeted, ‘Sweet. Baby. Jesus.’ along with a GIF of actor John C. Reilly looking confused from the show ‘Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show, Great Job!’

Another Aces player, Sydney Colson, tweeted out a clip from the Adam Sandler movie Billy Madison wherein actor Jim Downey says, in part, ‘What you just said is one of the most insanely idiotic things I have ever heard.’

Sports writer Lyndsey D’Arcangelo wrote, ‘in my opinion, this was an open opportunity for her to address some things head on and damn, she missed it by a mile.’

Basketball writer and podcaster Owen Pence wrote, ‘Imagine being asked about racism directed at one of your players and your response is that rivalry is good for the league. Good lord.’

Others on social media were more pointed with their criticism – outwardly accusing Engelbert of endangering the safety of players.

‘Like many of us have been saying, the @WNBA is complicit in pushing the rhetoric this season without regard for the players, their safety, or their mental health. The players are people, not just a product. Shame on Cathy Engelbert and everyone involved,’ wrote one fan.

Another fan said, ‘Cathy Engelbert didn’t even try to discourage the homophobic and racist behavior that occurs on WNBA posts and events. Not even on the official pages or at games. Get her out of here.’