WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire at end of 2026

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of 2026, the league announced on Friday, concluding a seven-year tenure marked by historic growth and persistent player tensions.

Engelbert, the league's first commissioner, oversaw a period of unprecedented expansion and commercial success. However, her leadership drew criticism from some players over pay, officiating, and the league's handling of player concerns.

A successor has not yet been named.

Statement from Engelbert

"In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league's first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women's sports."

Key Achievements Under Engelbert's Tenure

• Viewership surged approximately 454% since 2019
• Attendance climbed roughly 70% over the same period
• Franchise valuations soared — the average WNBA team is now worth $460 million, according to CNBC's 2026 Official WNBA Team Valuations
• The Golden State Valkyries, which joined the league in 2025, became the first women's team in any sport to be valued at $1 billion
• League expansion from 12 to 18 teams by 2030
• Landmark collective bargaining agreement negotiated earlier this year, delivering the largest pay increases in WNBA history

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised Engelbert's leadership:

"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."

WNBPA President Nneka Ogwumike also acknowledged the progress on compensation:

"Being able to have your worth tied mostly in your salary is all that we've been fighting for, and it's what we were able to achieve."

Player Tensions and Criticism

Despite the league's growth, Engelbert's tenure was frequently overshadowed by strained relations with players over:

• Compensation — many players argued benefits and protections failed to keep pace with the league's rising profile
• Officiating issues
• Response to racism and online harassment

Minnesota Lynx player Napheesa Collier publicly criticized Engelbert last year:

"We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world. But, right now, we have the worst leadership in the world."

More recently, concerns grew that Engelbert failed to respond appropriately to political protests over transgender women playing sports, an issue that began to overshadow the league's season. There are no known trans players in the WNBA.

Engelbert's Farewell

In her retirement statement, Engelbert expressed gratitude to WNBA and NBA team owners, staff, players, investors, and fans:

"I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined. I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come."

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