Crisis leadership: what the NBA’s 2004 brawl teaches the WNBA today
Dana O’Neil argues that the WNBA’s current infighting and off‑court drama echo the NBA’s 2004 Malice at the Palace era, and that decisive, proactive leadership from Commissioner Cathy Engelbert—as shown by the league’s new memo on transgender topics, a planned task force, and stronger engagement with players—is essential to stabilize the league’s image and growth, much like David Stern’s bold actions helped reset the NBA decades ago.