WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert talks to media during a press conference before the AT&T WNBA All-Star Game 2026 on July 25, 2026 at United Center in Chicago, IL.
Melissa Tamez | National Basketball Association | Getty Images
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of 2026, the league announced on Friday.
The decision comes as the league has experienced unprecedented growth, but Engelbert has faced criticism from some players over her leadership.
A successor has not yet been named.
“In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league’s first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports,” Engelbert said in a statement.
During her tenure, the league has seen huge spikes in television viewership, game attendance, corporate…
