WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Announces Retirement

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is set to retire at the end of the year. Engelbert, who made history as the league’s first commissioner, served in the role for seven years. Her retirement was announced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.

Silver acknowledged Engelbert’s pivotal role in a statement, saying, “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.”

The announcement follows a season marked by controversies in the WNBA. Issues surrounding trans athletes and the treatment of player Caitlin Clark have been prominent throughout the year.

Engelbert reflected on her tenure in a statement, saying, “After more than seven years at the WNBA and over 40 years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner. In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league’s first commissioner. Leading a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation has been rewarding. Watching WNBA players thrive and lead the cultural surge around women’s sports has been incredible.”

Under Engelbert’s leadership, the league expanded from 12 to 18 teams. She played a crucial role in overseeing media rights and collective bargaining agreements. Although there were criticisms regarding superstar marketing, including Caitlin Clark, the league experienced substantial growth during her tenure.

The WNBA highlighted Engelbert’s achievements in their statement. She oversaw increases in viewership and historic highs in digital engagement, game attendance, merchandise sales, and franchise valuations. Her leadership also brought a 50-game season set for 2027 and introduced the in-season Commissioner’s Cup tournament in 2021.

The retiring commissioner shared her thoughts on leaving, stating, “I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger, and more enduring than we could have imagined. I am grateful to the WNBA and NBA team owners and staff, players, investors, fans, and the powerhouse league office staff, who believed in what this league could become. I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come.”

As of now, there is no information on who will assume her position.