The New York Liberty won the 2026 WNBA Commissioner’s Cup, and league commissioner Cathy Engelbert presented the trophy. However, boos for her from inside Barclays Center crowd stole the spotlight. It came following Alyssa Thomas‘ statement about the commissioner not reaching out to the Phoenix Mercury.
The forward was involved in a controversial incident with Caitlin Clark on Thursday. They got entangled on the floor, and Thomas’ fist made contact with the Indiana Fever star’s neck area. Thomas was handed a retroactive Flagrant 2 foul and a one-game suspension.
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Thomas revealed on Tuesday that she has received death threats and that Engelbert had not reached out to her.
The fans at Barclays Center made their feelings about the commissioner very clear.
Engelbert made it clear in her statement that the WNBA has reached out to Thomas and the Mercury and the league’s security team.
“The WNBA vehemently condemns any and all forms of hate,” Engelbert said. “The safety and well-being of everyone in our community is always the league’s top priority.
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“We are aware of Alyssa Thomas’ comments, and what she said her and her teammates have experienced is completely unacceptable and not representative of the WNBA community. The league and our security team have been in contact with the Phoenix Mercury organization and remain committed to protecting all players.”
Thomas and Phoenix will return to action on Thursday versus the Seattle Storm and will take on the Chicago Sky five days later. However, the big matchup is on July 9 against the Fever, and fans expect a heated battle.
Engelbert and the WNBA’s security team will likely monitor it closely to avoid anything boiling over.
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As for Tuesday’s game, the Liberty defeated the Las Vegas Aces, 93-85. This marked New York’s second Commissioner’s Cup title after first winning it in 2023.
Related: Mercury Star Alyssa Thomas Makes Public Appearance After WNBA Suspension
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jul 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
