WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of this year, concluding her groundbreaking seven-year tenure as the league’s first-ever commissioner. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announced the decision, highlighting Engelbert’s role in the WNBA’s notable period of growth.
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.
Engelbert’s retirement follows a controversial year for the league with headlines surrounding Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham and the treatment of Caitlin Clark.
Engelbert shared her thoughts in a statement: After more than seven years at the WNBA and over 40 years in business, I have decided to retire as WNBA Commissioner. In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed as the league’s first commissioner, tasked with leading a league that had enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. It’s been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.
Her leadership saw the WNBA expand from 12 to 18 teams, while also managing advancements in media rights and collective bargaining agreements. Despite critiques regarding marketing efforts for WNBA stars, Engelbert’s tenure saw remarkable league growth.
The WNBA’s statement credited Engelbert for overseeing increases in viewership, digital engagement, game attendance, League Pass subscribers, merchandise sales, corporate partnership revenues, and franchise valuations.
Significant changes to the WNBA schedule occurred under Engelbert. The 2021 introduction of the in-season Commissioner’s Cup and the 2025 expansion to 44 regular-season games were key developments. A record 50 games are planned for the 2027 season.
At 61, Engelbert sees a bright future for the WNBA: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 the 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.
The successor to Engelbert has not been announced yet.