WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of this year, marking the end of her notable tenure as the league’s first commissioner. She held the position for seven years. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced Engelbert’s retirement, praising her stewardship during a significant growth phase in the WNBA’s history.
“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” Silver stated. “We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”
Her departure comes after a challenging year marked by controversy. Notable incidents included Sophie Cunningham’s remarks on transgender athletes in women’s sports and discussions around Caitlin Clark’s treatment, which dominated WNBA-related conversations.
Reflecting on her career, Engelbert expressed pride in her accomplishments. “After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 years in business, I have decided to retire as WNBA Commissioner. In 2019, I became the league’s first commissioner to lead a league with untapped potential. Over the years, watching WNBA players thrive and inspire cultural change around women’s sports has been incredible,” she said.
Under Engelbert’s leadership, the WNBA grew from 12 to 18 teams, made media rights advancements, and secured a collective bargaining agreement. While she faced criticism for insufficient marketing of WNBA stars like Caitlin Clark, the league saw substantial growth. The WNBA reported increased viewership, digital engagement, game attendance, League Pass subscriptions, merchandise sales, corporate partnership revenues, and franchise valuations.
Engelbert reshaped the WNBA schedule, introducing the in-season Commissioner’s Cup in 2021. By 2025, the regular season featured 44 games, with plans for a record 50 games by 2027.
As the 61-year-old exits, she leaves with feelings of gratitude and optimism for the future of the league. “I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger, and more enduring than imagined. I am grateful to the WNBA and NBA team owners, staff, players, investors, fans, and league office staff, who believed in what this league could become. I retire full of gratitude and optimism for the WNBA’s future,” Engelbert remarked.
Her successor has yet to be announced.
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