In a touching story shared by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the late NBA legend Kobe Bryant significantly impacted the WNBA in the months leading up to his tragic passing in 2020.
During an appearance on the “Excellent Leadership” podcast, Engelbert recalled a memorable meeting with Bryant in late 2019 that would leave a lasting mark on both her and the league.
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At the time, Engelbert had just started her role as the WNBA Commissioner and was in need of strategic support to help elevate the league.
Bryant, who had always been a vocal advocate for women’s basketball, wanted to meet Engelbert after learning that her daughter, Gianna, had plans to play basketball. This meeting took place shortly after Engelbert had assumed the position and was navigating the challenges of leading the league.
According to Engelbert, the five-time NBA champion expressed a strong desire to assist her.
“What do you need, Cathy?” he asked during their conversation.
“I need $50 million,” Engelbert, in need of financial backing for the league’s development, responded on the spot.
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This was not a figure she had carefully planned for, but rather an offhand suggestion to help bolster the league’s marketing and digital outreach.
To Engelbert’s surprise, Bryant immediately agreed to help.
He told her, “I’m going to help you raise it,” showing his unwavering support for the league and its future.
This promise was made just a few months before the fateful helicopter crash that took Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna, along with seven others, in January 2020.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks to the media before game one of the 2023 WNBA Finals.© Candice Ward-Imagn Images
Though the fundraising efforts were delayed by the tragedy, Engelbert said the WNBA eventually raised $75 million, surpassing the original goal. This funding has been instrumental in the league’s ongoing growth, especially in light of the rising interest in women’s sports and the emergence of talented rookies in the WNBA.
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Bryant’s impact on the WNBA has been felt in many ways, from his presence at games to his involvement in Gianna’s basketball aspirations.
Even after his death, the league has continued to honor his memory, especially during moments like the 2020 WNBA Draft, where Gianna and other victims of the helicopter crash were recognized as honorary draftees.
