Caitlin Clark’s Excel connection: Why is Linda Cohn questioning the WNBA?
Former ESPN host Linda Cohn has raised concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest involving Excel Sports Management, which represents WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark while also assisting in the search for the league's next commissioner. Critics are calling for transparency and firewalls to ensure the integrity of the hiring process.
Why it matters
The rapid growth of the WNBA makes the commissioner selection process highly sensitive, and perceived conflicts of interest could impact the league's credibility.
The NBA has hired Excel Search & Advisory to help find Cathy Engelbert’s successor as WNBA commissioner, but the choice has already raised questions about possible conflicts of interest. Excel’s parent company, Excel Sports Management, represents WNBA stars Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier. Former ESPN host Linda Cohn has now asked how the company will keep its player representation work separate from the executive search as the league prepares for a major leadership change.Linda Cohn questions Excel’s role in the WNBA commissioner searchCohn focused on the connection between Excel and Caitlin Clark, whose rise has brought major attention to the WNBA. She said the situation deserves clear answers because the same wider company represents players while its search arm is helping identify the person who could lead the league.“Caitlin Clark isn’t just another client,” Cohn said in a video posted on her YouTube channel.
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