WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire in December after more than seven years leading the league. Her tenure has been marked by both growth and controversy, including a new collective bargaining agreement and challenges related to officiating and social media issues.
Engelbert, the second-longest tenured WNBA president or commissioner, helped negotiate a collective bargaining agreement this past spring that resulted in the league’s first million-dollar player salaries. However, her time has also included a strained relationship with players during contract negotiations and controversies surrounding the 2026 season, particularly regarding officiating and the transgender debate, as well as social media backlash.
Engelbert told The Associated Press the decision to retire was her own, stating she felt no pressure from NBA or WNBA stakeholders. She claims to have a good relationship with players. New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, vice president of the WNBA players’ union executive committee, expressed happiness for Engelbert, saying, “What she’s done for the league is incredible.” Stewart acknowledged the CBA negotiation was difficult but emphasized the positive outcome for both sides.
Engelbert, who will turn 62 in November, said she has been considering retirement for months. “When I first came to the league I intended to do this for 3 1/2 years,” she said. “The 7 1/2 years exceeded that time. This is a really good time given the financial transformation journey we’ve been on. Getting the collective bargaining agreement done, getting a long-term media rights deal done, getting expansion done.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Engelbert’s leadership, stating she “has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history.” Engelbert indicated a succession plan is in place, with both internal and external candidates being considered. “It’s a good time to hand it off to the next leader to take the ‘W’ into a better phase,” she said.
Read the original coverage
💬 Comments
📜 Comment Policy