Cathy Engelbertis stepping down as WNBA commissioner, ending a polarizing tenure that saw the league grow exponentially under her watch but also raised questions about her ability to lead it through its era of increased scrutiny and attention.
Engelbert has informed the league of her decision to retire, effective at the end of this year, it was announced today by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” said Silver. “We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”
Engelbert, 61, has served as WNBA commissioner since May 2019. Previously, she worked at Deloitte for more than 30 years and
was elevated to CEO of the company in 2015.
“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 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.”
The WNBA and its teams skyrocketed in value during Engelbert's tenure, television ratings rose and player salaries increased. The WNBA is set to expand from 12 to 15 teams with Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030) launching within the next four years. Engelbert also helped negotiate an 11-year, $3.1 billion media rights agreement.
But, Engelbert's tenure has not been without controversy, especially with the increased attention brought to the league with the arrival of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese in 2024. In May, when asked about her future with the WNBA, Engelbert sidestepped the inquiry before asking if the question would have been asked if she were a man. Engelbert later added there was "nothing else to report" and said there wouldn't be any "story" about her future.
"I do crack up how everybody's focused on me, and you should be focused on the hundreds of amazing women and thousands of women who run this league outside of myself," Engelbert said. "I appreciate that you're focused on me as well. I wonder if you would ask that of a man, by the way, but I realize as women we get asked different questions than men do."
Cathy Engelbert controversies as WNBA commissioner
Here's a look at controversies during Cathy Engelbert's tenure as WNBA commissioner:
2024
- May 2024: Charter flight program rollout. Engelbert announced at a league meeting that the WNBA would begin charter travel for all teams. The news came after Engelbert revealed that some (not all) teams received flights due to special considerations.
- September 2024: WNBA players criticize commissioner for downplaying social media vitriol. The players union and several players called out Engelbert for not taking a stronger stance against racism and hate speech, especially on social media.
2025
- August/September 2025: The sale of the Connecticut Sun. The WNBA and Engelbert were criticized for allowing uncertainty to linger regarding the franchise’s future, along with a messy bidding process that failed to indicate a clear timeline and vision for the team.
- September 2025: Napheesa Collier openly criticizes Engelbert. Minnesota Lynx star Collier unleashed a scathing critique of the WNBA and Engelbert over how the league is governed and their response to the physicality of the game.
2026
- March 2026: Marathon CBA negotiations. WNBA CBA negotiations between the league and its players lasted nearly 18 months, culminating in eight days of marathon meetings to get the deal over the finish line.
- July 2026: Las Vegas Aces guard Chelsea Gray decries racial abuse and hate. Aces guard Gray said she hoped "people will think twice now" before spreading hate after a Hilton Grand Vacations employee was terminated for directing a racial slur toward Gray online.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Cathy Engelbert to step down as WNBA Commissioner after seven years of growth, controversy
