Engelbert retiring after seven years leading WNBA

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced she will retire at the end of the 2026 season, closing a seven‑year tenure defined by major commercial expansion and structural reform. Appointed in 2019 as the league’s first commissioner, she took over a 12‑team competition with modest franchise values and average attendance of 1.3 million. During her leadership, the WNBA secured $3.1 billion in media rights deals, expanded the schedule to 50 games per team and grew to 15 clubs, with plans to reach 18 by 2030 and franchise valuations rising to about $460 million.

Her tenure brought historic increases in player salaries and benefits, though she also faced criticism regarding harassment cases and officiating standards. NBA commissioner Adam Silver praised her for overseeing the most significant growth period in league history. The announcement comes during the World Cup break, with playoffs concluding next month. Engelbert said she departs “with immense gratitude and optimism” for the league’s future.