WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Announces Retirement After Seven Years
Cathy Engelbert, the league's first commissioner, will step down at the end of the year, citing gratitude for the WNBA's growth and optimism for its future.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she will retire at the end of the calendar year, ending a seven-year tenure that began when she was appointed the league's first commissioner in 2019. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the decision, noting that Engelbert "presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history" and thanking her for her leadership.
Engelbert said in a statement that she is retiring "knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined" and expressed gratitude to owners, staff, players, investors and fans.
During her time in charge, the WNBA expanded from 12 to 18 teams, introduced the in-season Commissioner's Cup, and announced plans to increase the regular season to 44 games in 2025 and a record 50 games in 2027. The league also reported increases in viewership, digital engagement, attendance, League Pass subscriptions, merchandise sales, corporate partnership revenue and franchise valuations.
The announcement comes amid a season marked by controversy over comments on transgender athletes and the treatment of star player Caitlin Clark. A successor has not yet been named.