NEW YORK — WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of 2026, bringing her seven-year tenure leading the league to a close.
The WNBA announced Engelbert’s decision Friday, Sept. 4. Engelbert became the first commissioner in WNBA history when she took over the position in 2019 after previously serving as CEO of Deloitte.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Engelbert’s leadership, saying she presided over what he described as the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history.
Engelbert’s time as commissioner came during a major transformation for women’s professional basketball. The WNBA experienced significant increases in television viewership, attendance, merchandise sales, digital engagement, corporate partnerships and franchise values.
Major Expansion Under Engelbert
One of the biggest changes during Engelbert’s tenure has been the expansion of the WNBA.
The league is on track to grow from 12 teams to 18 by 2030. The expansion has included the Golden State Valkyries, Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire, with additional franchises planned for Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia.
Engelbert also helped negotiate major media rights and collective bargaining agreements. The latest labor agreement resulted in significant increases in player compensation, including the first million-dollar player salaries in WNBA history.
Leading the League Through Major Changes
Engelbert took over the WNBA shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic presented professional sports leagues with unprecedented challenges.
During her first full season in 2020, the WNBA created its controlled playing environment in Bradenton, Florida, allowing the season to continue during the pandemic.
Other changes during her tenure included the introduction of the Commissioner’s Cup, an expanded regular-season schedule and the implementation of charter air travel for WNBA teams. The league is scheduled to increase its regular season to 50 games beginning in 2027.
In 2022, Engelbert also led a $75 million capital raise designed to support the league’s long-term growth, marketing, digital operations and international expansion.
Growth Came With Challenges
Engelbert’s tenure was not without controversy. Her relationship with some players became strained at times, particularly during collective bargaining negotiations and amid concerns surrounding player safety and league leadership.
Despite those challenges, Engelbert said she believes the timing is right to turn the league over to new leadership following the completion of several major initiatives.
She said she originally expected to hold the position for approximately three-and-a-half years but ultimately remained for more than seven.
Engelbert said she plans to assist with the transition as the league searches for its next commissioner. Both internal and external candidates are reportedly being considered, and no successor has been announced.
After more than four decades in business, Engelbert said she plans to spend more time with her family following her retirement.
Her departure will close a consequential chapter for the WNBA as the league prepares for further expansion and continued growth under its next commissioner.
