Cathy Engelbert, the first-ever WNBA commissioner, is officially stepping down from her role at the end of the season. This news just dropped Friday, and it marks the end of a wild ride since she took the helm in 2019. Her time leading the league has been a true mixed bag, bringing massive business growth but also sparking some serious player frustration.
The Business Boom Under Engelbert
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gave a huge shoutout, saying Engelbert has been at the center of “the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history.” And honestly, the facts back him up on the business side. Engelbert oversaw the signing of two collective bargaining agreements, including the most recent one earlier this year. That new CBA was a game-changer, bumping the salary cap to a massive $7 million and creating the first million-dollar salaries in WNBA history. Can you even imagine how huge that is for these athletes? That’s real money, finally. On top of that, she pushed hard for expansion, bringing in new teams like the Golden State Valkyries, the Portland Fire, and the Toronto Tempo. The league’s not stopping there either, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia set to join by 2030, which will bring the WNBA to a record 18 teams. That’s serious growth for women’s basketball.
A Stormy Relationship With Players
But here’s the kicker: while the business grew, Engelbert’s relationship with the players took a serious hit. The commissioner came under “significant fire in recent years for her poor relationship with players.” This isn’t just anonymous chatter, either. Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier, a massive voice in the league, flat-out said last year, “We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world, but right now we have the worst leadership in the world.” That’s a brutal quote to have hanging over your head. Engelbert herself noted her decision to retire came after “more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business.” She said she was “amazed to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports,” despite the public friction.
So now what? Engelbert is out at the end of this season, and there’s no word yet on who will step into those shoes. The WNBA has grown like crazy under her, no doubt, but finding a leader who can balance that business drive with a strong connection to the players is going to be the next big test. The search for the next commissioner is officially on, and the stakes for the league’s continued growth are sky-high.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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