Story perspectives

WNBA Suspends Thomas One Game, $8,571 Fine Amid Racist Abuse

7/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

The WNBA suspended Alyssa Thomas for one game and forfeited $8,571 after she struck Caitlin Clark’s throat on June 24.
Clark said the foul should have been handled only as a basketball issue and called the controversy emotionally exhausting.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert met with player committees while the WNBA and WNBPA convened to address a surge in racist, hateful messages toward players.

History

Historical Context

When the WNBA launched in 1996, the league instituted a $2 million team salary cap to ensure financial stability and set a precedent for league governance. The inaugural season featured 12 franchises, including the New York Liberty, and attracted 1.1 million television viewers nationwide, generating significant advertising revenue. Today, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s $8,571 fine against Alyssa Thomas mirrors the league’s early commitment to enforce conduct rules amid rising online abuse toward players like Caitlin Clark. The precedent suggests the WNBA will continue leveraging disciplinary measures and the WNBPA’s advocacy to curb harassment, shaping a safer professional environment.

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Story summary

The WNBA suspended Alyssa Thomas for one game and forfeited $8,571 after she struck Caitlin Clark’s throat on June 24.
Clark said the foul should have been handled only as a basketball issue and called the controversy emotionally exhausting.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert met with player committees while the WNBA and WNBPA convened to address a surge in racist, hateful messages toward players.

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