WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Announces Retirement Effective December
Cathy Engelbert will step down as WNBA commissioner at the end of the year after more than seven years leading the league through significant financial growth and a new collective bargaining agreement.
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said she will retire in December, ending a tenure of over seven years that saw the league secure its first million-dollar player contracts and a long-term media rights deal. Engelbert, 62, told the Associated Press she had been considering retirement for months and felt the timing was right after completing a new collective bargaining agreement, expanding the league to 18 teams and dramatically increasing franchise values.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised Engelbert, stating, "Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history. We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball."
Engelbert said the decision was entirely her own and that she has been working on a succession plan, with both internal and external candidates under consideration. She added that she would remain in the role if a successor is not identified during the next four months.
During her time, the WNBA achieved record television ratings, higher attendance, and a surge in franchise valuations—from an average of $10 million in 2019 to about $460 million in 2026. Engelbert highlighted milestones such as charter travel for players, navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, and the historic media rights agreement.
The league also faced challenges, including increased social-media harassment of players and debates over transgender athlete eligibility. Engelbert affirmed that the league has no current eligibility issues and would engage in policy discussions with the players’ association if needed.
Players expressed appreciation for Engelbert’s work. New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart said, "What she’s done for the league is incredible. Obviously, the CBA negotiation was a tough one, but the way that both sides continue to have a huge win is really important."
Engelbert said she looks forward to spending more time with her family after retirement, noting that her mother, who is turning 90, has encouraged her to step back from work.