The news of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert's decision to retire following the 2026 season quickly took over the internet, and it's easy to understand why. Engelbert has faced plenty of criticism in recent years, particularly throughout the 2026 WNBA season, so many fans reacted as you'd expect after hearing the news, while others had a different, very interesting take.
ESPN's Alexa Philippou was the first to report Engelbert's retirement, and it initially drew an immense number of positive responses from fans. Some called it a "huge win for the WNBA," saying that the league "deserves so much better," while others added that it's "about time."
The Exit Is That Way 👈🏾 pic.twitter.com/BtNEDuJNIL
— Peoples Hernandez (@KinggPatt) September 4, 2026
— Xay (@Xaypicks) September 4, 2026
this day cannot get any
better
— Juno (@Juno154490) September 4, 2026
Other fans even began voicing their opinions about the WNBA's next commissioner, with names like Lisa Leslie, Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker among those mentioned.
Lisa Leslie for comish, even though Nneka wants it
— Flitch #IStandWithSophie (@choppinfirewood) September 4, 2026
@Candace_Parker get that resume ready!!! You'd be an absolutely amazing commissioner for the W!!! JMO
— Jen Fry (@JenFry6942) September 4, 2026
The 1 warning with Cathy Engelbert retiring as WNBA commissioner
However, several reactions took a very different approach to the news and highlighted a significant aspect of Engelbert's retirement that isn't widely considered. With Engelbert retiring as WNBA commissioner, current NBA commissioner Adam Silver will play a role in determining who'll lead the league next. That aspect has many fans concerned, it seems.
To all the Cathy haters, with Adam Silver basically running the selection process, all I can say is: pic.twitter.com/Gg7EGbExxx
— Jim Butler (@SeattleJim) September 4, 2026
The real opp is Adam but we will take it I guess.
— Moneyhoney (@FicklePhoenxx) September 4, 2026
We knew it. Now let’s see who Adam tries to put in place.
— Victoria 🎀🎧 (@VictoriaTo66316) September 4, 2026
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Cathy Engelbert's WNBA retirement ignited a barrage of reactions, but also 1 warning
