09/04/2026
Cathy Engelbert is stepping down as WNBA commissioner at the end of 2026.
Engelbert became the league’s first-ever commissioner in 2019, taking over at a time when the WNBA still had significant room to grow. Seven years later, she leaves after overseeing the most significant period of expansion in league history.
Under her leadership, the WNBA reached historic highs in viewership, attendance, digital engagement, League Pass subscriptions, merchandise sales, corporate partnerships, and franchise valuations.
She also oversaw the league’s expansion from 12 teams to 18 by 2030 and helped negotiate new media rights and collective bargaining agreements that brought historic increases in player salaries and benefits.
Engelbert said the timing of her decision was personal.
“I had only intended to do this job for three-and-a-half years ... It was always my goal to retire at 62, and I just feel like we're in a really good place from a variety of perspectives on the league.”
Looking back on her time with the WNBA, Engelbert added:
“Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver also credited her with guiding the league through its biggest growth period.
“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 now leaves the league in a very different place from where she found it, with the WNBA bigger, more valuable, and more visible than ever.
