WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is stepping down after the 2026 season.
Engelbert's plan to retire was announced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver on Friday, Sept. 4.
“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” Silver said in a statement. “We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”
Engelbert's legacy is marked by the WNBA's growth and a tumultuous relationship with the Player's Association (WNBPA). She presided over two collective bargaining agreements in 2020 and 2026. After a long negotiation process, in which the WNBPA threatened a work stoppage entering the 2026 season, the latest CBA finalized in March boosted
the players' average salaries to multimillion-dollar contracts. Engelbert oversaw the league's expansion plan from 12 teams to 18 through the 2030 season.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Retire at the End of 2026 pic.twitter.com/Ul7qV4dm33
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) September 4, 2026
“After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner,” said Engelbert in the statement. “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.”
(This is a developing story. Check back at azcentral for more details.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert retiring after 2026 season
