WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire at the end of the year, concluding over seven years of impactful leadership that has transformed the league. Engelbert is recognized as the second-longest tenured commissioner in WNBA history, having overseen significant developments, including a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement that led to the first-ever million-dollar salaries for players.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed gratitude for Engelbert's contributions, emphasizing her role during a crucial growth period in the league’s 30-year history. Engelbert, who will turn 62 in November, noted that she had contemplated retirement for several months. She initially planned to serve for only 3.5 years, but after seven and a half years, she feels this is the right time for a transition, especially following major achievements like securing a new media rights deal and initiating league expansion.
Engelbert clarified that her decision to retire was entirely her own, free from any pressure from stakeholders within the NBA or WNBA. She has been developing a succession plan and indicated there are both internal and external candidates being considered to succeed her. Engelbert expressed pride in her team and highlighted the progress the league has made, stating, “It’s a good time to hand it off to the next leader to take the ‘W’ into a better phase.”
Throughout Engelbert's tenure, the WNBA has experienced exponential growth, marked by record television viewership, increased attendance, and a forecasted expansion to 18 teams by the decade's end. She emphasized her role as a business leader, focusing on revenue, merchandise, viewership, and attendance, all of which have shown improvement. Engelbert reflected on the league's challenges, stating it had been facing doubts about its long-term viability when she took over leadership.
Engelbert’s tenure has not been without turmoil. While the league has seen financial growth, players have reported an increase in negative social media attention and have raised concerns about safety and the league's handling of important issues, including the participation of transgender athletes. Engelbert has consistently condemned online vitriol towards players and supports initiatives aimed at player safety, asserting that there are currently no eligibility issues concerning transgender athletes.
Despite a history of tension during recent CBA negotiations, Engelbert maintains a positive relationship with players. Breanna Stewart, a player and vice president of the WNBA players' union, recognized Engelbert's achievements while acknowledging the difficulties of the negotiation process, stating, “What she’s done for the league is incredible.”
Looking ahead, Engelbert is eager to spend more time with her family after retirement. She shared that the online hostility she faces has impacted her family life, although she did not elaborate on the specifics. Her mother, who is turning 90 this year, has expressed a desire for Engelbert to retire to spend more time together. Engelbert humorously mentioned that she has five brothers who also encourage her retirement for family time.
Ultimately, as Engelbert prepares to step down on January 1, her family can look forward to having her home more often, fulfilling their longstanding requests for more time together.
