NBA commissioner Adam Silver addresses Caitlin Clark’s ‘political football’ status

By Mason Reed — 17 July 2026 — 3 min read

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently commented on the situation surrounding Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, describing her as a “political football.” Speaking at the CNBC/Boardroom Game Plan event, Silver emphasized that the issues concerning Clark are not primarily about officiating. He stated that the focus should not be on whether a specific foul was called during a game or retroactively reviewed.

Silver expressed that he has gotten to know Clark well, characterizing her as an “incredible player” and an “incredible person.” He believes it is unfair for her to have become a “political football” in the country, as she aims to concentrate on improving her game. The commissioner also acknowledged that the league needs to enhance its officiating, a long-standing concern that has become more prominent since Clark joined the league in 2024.

Officiating and Player Incidents

The comments from Silver come after a notable incident on June 24 during a game between the Fever and the Phoenix Mercury. In the second quarter of the Mercury’s 111-109 victory, Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark’s neck with a closed fist during a loose-ball play. The Fever appealed the play, leading the WNBA to retroactively issue a Flagrant 2 foul to Thomas and impose a one-game suspension.

Reports suggested that Silver had urged WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to issue the suspension for Thomas. When questioned about this, Silver did not deny the accuracy of the report, but chose not to comment further, citing fairness to both Clark and Engelbert. Thomas, upon learning of her suspension, stated that she received death threats and various forms of harassment and racial slurs directed at her and her family following the game.

Despite efforts to improve officiating, including the formation of a task force and the hiring of an advisor, issues have continued this season. Silver reiterated his view that the core problem is not solely officiating, but rather a “political ping-pong” dynamic centered around Clark. He feels it is unjust to Clark that a separate storyline has emerged regarding specific foul calls.

League Growth and Future Discussions

Silver highlighted his historical involvement with the WNBA, noting he was part of the group that drafted the league’s original business plan three decades ago. He praised the league’s growth, referencing “off-the-charts valuations” and crediting Clark with attracting a new audience. He added that this influx of attention has benefited the entire league, revealing the “enormous talent” present beyond just one player.

Engelbert had previously spoken on a panel before Silver, where she was asked about growing the league while mitigating toxicity. She described the vitriol as “unacceptable” and commended the positive aspects of the game. Reports indicate that Engelbert’s initial plan was not to suspend Thomas, and that Silver’s intervention led to the disciplinary action. A WNBA spokesperson, however, stated that these reports were “absolutely false.”

Sources familiar with the situation suggested that Engelbert initially believed a follow-up suspension was too severe since no foul was called during the game. Conversely, Silver reportedly felt there was clear evidence of a flagrant foul and that Engelbert needed to act. Engelbert is in the final season of her current contract as WNBA commissioner, and discussions regarding her future are ongoing.

Silver did not directly address his role in the Thomas suspension at a recent NBA Summer League news conference. However, he commended Engelbert’s leadership, citing the league’s “tremendous progress” and her continued strong efforts in building the league, while also mentioning that there would be “ongoing discussions about what the future looks like.”

The WNBA implemented measures this offseason to address officiating concerns, including establishing a task force composed of eight general managers and coaches. This group met to develop priorities such as calling illegal contact, enforcing the defensive three-second rule, and clarifying the distinction between legal and illegal contact, with Eric Brewton also hired as an advisor.

Source: nytimes.com

Mason Reed

Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.