WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of the year, marking the conclusion of her more than seven-year tenure leading the league, a period that has been both transformative and at times challenging.
Engelbert ranks as the second-longest-serving president or commissioner in WNBA history, playing a key role in negotiating a lucrative collective bargaining agreement earlier this spring, which led to the league’s inaugural million-dollar player contracts.
“Cathy has led the WNBA during its most significant growth phase in the league’s 30-year existence,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated on Friday while announcing Engelbert’s retirement. “We are thankful for her leadership and steadfast dedication to enhancing women’s basketball.”
Approaching her 62nd birthday in November, Engelbert revealed to The Associated Press that she has been contemplating retirement for several months.
“Initially, I intended to stay in this role for 3.5 years,” she shared in a phone interview. “Seven and a half years has surpassed that expectation. This feels like an opportune moment given the financial transformation we’ve experienced, finalizing the collective bargaining agreement, securing a long-term media rights deal, and advancing expansion.”
Engelbert emphasized that her decision to retire was entirely her own and that she did not feel compelled to step down by NBA or WNBA stakeholders.
Engelbert: Several unidentified successors on league’s radar
The commissioner mentioned that she has been developing a succession plan over the past few years. Although she did not provide any details on potential candidates, Engelbert confirmed that both internal and external options are being considered for the position.
“This is an appropriate moment to pass the baton to the next leader who can elevate the ‘W’ to new heights,” she stated. “I take pride in the team we’ve assembled and all that we’ve achieved. A true leader recognizes when it’s time to step back after building a strong team within the league office.”
Engelbert expressed mixed feelings about her upcoming departure.
“My passion for women’s basketball remains, and I’m not disappearing just yet. We will conduct a thorough succession process over the next four months. If we can’t find a suitable replacement, I’ll stay on,” she explained. “I had no transition period. I stepped in and was alone without a proper handover into this role.”
“I hope to assist the next leader in their transition, especially in light of the league’s growth.”
During Engelbert’s tenure, the WNBA has experienced remarkable expansion, with record-high television ratings, robust attendance figures, a new long-term media rights agreement, and plans to expand to 18 teams by the end of the decade.
“I was brought in as a business leader to revamp the organization,” she remarked. “I assess revenue, merchandise sales, viewership, and attendance,” highlighting improvements in all areas. “A great leader recognizes when it’s time for someone new to take charge. When I arrived, the league was grappling with questions regarding its long-term sustainability and viability.”
Turmoil, tension part of Engelbert’s tenure
Engelbert indicated that the league’s growth has “surpassed her expectations” since she took on her role after leaving her previous position as president of Deloitte in 2019.
In addition to the new CBA, she takes pride in achievements such as securing charter travel for players, maintaining the league’s operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, negotiating a historic media rights deal, and the significant increase in the valuation of WNBA franchises. The average franchise value rose from $10 million in 2019 to approximately $460 million by 2026.
However, the league’s financial success has been accompanied by challenges and tensions.
Players have reported an increase in hostility on social media in recent years and have voiced concerns that the league has not done enough to guarantee their safety. The WNBA has also been involved in ongoing discussions regarding transgender athletes competing in the league.
Engelbert has consistently condemned the online harassment faced by players, supporting league initiatives aimed at ensuring their protection. She also emphasized that there should be clarity regarding the transgender issue.
“Currently, we have no eligibility concerns in the WNBA,” Engelbert stated, adding that “if any arise, we would engage in a thoughtful policy discussion with the [players’ association] and the athletes.”
Despite a strained relationship between the commissioner and players during recent CBA negotiations, Engelbert asserts that she maintains a positive rapport with them.
Conversations between the commissioner and players have been complex.
New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart, who serves as vice president of the WNBA players’ union executive committee, noted before the All-Star Game that while players respect Engelbert, their relationship is not particularly close.
What’s next in Engelbert’s future?
Engelbert shared that she looks forward to embracing the typical retirement plans: spending more time with her family.
She acknowledged that the online negativity she faces has impacted her family as well, although she refrained from disclosing further details about the consequences.
“There have been difficult moments for my family due to the vitriol and hate I encounter online,” Engelbert stated.
Her retirement will bring joy to her mother.
“My mom is turning 90 this year, and she mentioned that ‘it would be beneficial if you retired to spend more time with me,'” Engelbert laughed. “I have two children, one of whom I rarely see.”
“I come from a family of eight kids with five brothers, and they often say I should retire so I can spend more time with them.”
Starting January 1, her family will get their wish.