The WNBA is on the hunt for a new leader. Almost two weeks ago, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced she’s stepping down at the end of 2026, and the league is already buzzing with speculation. Don’t expect a quick decision, though. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver just clued us in after this week’s NBA Board of Governors meetings, making it clear the process to find Engelbert’s successor is still in the early stages. My NBA/WNBA colleagues are deep in interviews with search firms right now, and the “earnest” search only really kicks off once they pick one.
The Search Is On, And The Job Is HOT
You know this is a big deal when Silver himself is talking about it. He told The Athletic, “I can tell by the calls I’m getting how much more attractive this job is and will be in 2027 than it was in 2019.” That’s huge, man! It tells you everything about where the WNBA stands now. Engelbert, who was the first to hold the Commissioner title back in 2019, has been working on a succession plan for years, even telling the Associated Press there are both internal and external candidates on the league’s radar. Silver added that they’ve heard from potential candidates and recommendations, keeping that list close to the chest right now. And yeah, for anyone wondering, Doug Feinberg confirmed on X that it was purely her choice to retire. No drama, just opportunity.
Who Could Lead The League To The Next Level?
ESPN’s Alexa Philippou and Michael Voepel have been doing some serious digging, and they’ve floated some absolutely legit names for the top job. We’re talking about people who live and breathe this game. Swin Cash, a former WNBA legend, has experience in the New York Liberty and New Orleans Pelicans front offices. Keia Clarke, the New York Liberty CEO, has also worked in the NBA/WNBA league offices. Then there’s Bethany Donaphin, currently head of WNBA operations, with a background consulting for Fortune 500 companies. Tanya Hvizdak brings 25 years at Nike, serving as vice president of global sports marketing. Jess Smith is the team president of the Golden State Valkyries, rocking two decades across women’s and men’s pro sports. And let’s not forget Mark Tatum, the NBA’s deputy commissioner and COO, who even briefly served as the WNBA’s interim president before Engelbert. That’s a lineup of heavy hitters, right?
The next Commissioner is going to inherit a league that’s stronger than ever, and Silver thinks they’ll get to build even more on the autonomy the WNBA started establishing from the NBA under Engelbert. The NBA still owns 42 percent of the league, but this feels like a moment to truly break out. This isn’t just about a new name at the top; it’s about the future direction of a league that’s captivating sports fans everywhere, including us here in the Emerald City. The WNBA is on an upward trajectory, and the next leader will steer that rocket. We’ll be watching every step of the process.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Swish Appeal.
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