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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire in December after transformative and tumultuous tenure
- On Friday, the WNBA announced that Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire on Dec. 31, 2026, ending her seven-year tenure. A successor reporting to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will be identified from internal and external candidates.
- During her seven years leading the WNBA, Engelbert oversaw a historic $2 billion media rights deal and helped team valuations rise to $460 million this year. The Golden State Valkyries reached an $850 million valuation under her watch.
- Despite financial successes, league stars including Napheesa Collier and A'ja Wilson characterized Engelbert's leadership as transactional. Players also expressed frustration with her response to officiating concerns and the handling of a controversy involving transgender participation in the league.
- WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike stated, "I have great respect for the commitment Cathy brought to the role." Engelbert confirmed a succession plan is underway, willing to remain until a new leader is identified.
- Under Engelbert's guidance, the WNBA expanded from 12 teams to 18 by 2030 while team valuations rose from $10 million in 2019 to $460 million this year. The incoming commissioner inherits a league positioned for sustained growth.
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire in December after transformative and tumultuous tenure
Engelbert is the second-longest tenured WNBA president or commissioner, and she helped negotiate a lucrative collective bargaining agreement this past spring that resulted in the league's first set of million-dollar player salaries.
·Austin, United States
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Total News Sources20
Leaning Left3Leaning Right1Center6Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Center
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources are Center
60% Center
L 30%
C 60%
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