WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Retire at Year’s End

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced her retirement, scheduled for the end of this year. Engelbert holds the distinction of being the first-ever commissioner in the league’s history, a position she has held for seven years. The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who acknowledged her pivotal role in the growth of women’s basketball.

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.

Her departure follows a period marked by controversy within the WNBA, particularly around issues involving trans athletes and player treatment. Despite these challenges, Engelbert reflected positively on her tenure, noting the league’s potential and the progress seen in women’s sports.

During Engelbert’s leadership, the WNBA expanded from 12 to 18 teams and witnessed substantial growth in several areas. Viewership, digital engagement, and game attendance have reached new heights. Merchandise sales, corporate partnerships, and franchise valuations also increased. She spearheaded the introduction of the in-season Commissioner’s Cup tournament in 2021 and expanded the regular season to 44 games in 2025, with plans for 50 games in 2027.

Engelbert expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has had and the progress made under her guidance:

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.

The WNBA has yet to announce who will replace Engelbert as the next commissioner.