WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced that she will retire at the end of 2026, bringing an end to more than seven years of leadership during one of the most important growth periods in the league’s history.
Engelbert became the WNBA’s first-ever commissioner in 2019, after previously serving as CEO of Deloitte. During her tenure, the league expanded its reach, attracted larger audiences, and secured major commercial and media deals.
A Period of Rapid Growth
Under Engelbert, the WNBA has grown from 12 teams to a planned 18 by 2030. The league has also recorded significant increases in attendance, digital engagement, League Pass subscriptions, merchandise sales, and franchise valuations.
One of the biggest developments came through the league’s media rights and labor agreements. A new collective bargaining agreement helped create significantly higher salaries and benefits for players, including the WNBA’s first contracts worth more than $1 million.
The league has also expanded its regular-season schedule, with a 50-game season planned from 2027, another sign of how quickly the WNBA has grown under Engelbert’s leadership.
Engelbert Says the Decision Is Personal
Engelbert said her decision to retire was her own and had been part of a longer-term plan. She told The IX Sports that she had originally expected to stay in the position for around three and a half years, but ultimately remained for more than seven. She also said reaching the age of 62 had always been an intended retirement point.
In her statement, Engelbert expressed gratitude to players, team owners, staff, investors, and fans, saying she leaves with optimism about the league’s future.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also praised Engelbert, saying she had led the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in its 30-year history.
A Successful Tenure With Challenges
Engelbert’s time as commissioner was not without controversy. Her relationship with players became strained during recent collective bargaining negotiations, while issues surrounding officiating, player safety, and other league controversies brought additional pressure during the 2026 season.
Despite those challenges, the overall commercial growth of the WNBA has been substantial. The league is now attracting far more attention from broadcasters, sponsors, investors and fans than it did when Engelbert took over.
Her departure therefore comes at a particularly important moment, with the league continuing its expansion and entering a new era of higher player compensation and larger commercial opportunities.
Search Begins for a New Commissioner
The WNBA will now begin the process of finding Engelbert’s successor. The next commissioner will inherit a league that is considerably larger and more valuable than the one Engelbert took charge of in 2019.
The new leader will also face the challenge of maintaining that momentum while strengthening relationships with players and addressing the issues that have emerged alongside the league’s rapid growth.
Engelbert will remain in the role through December 31, 2026, giving the WNBA time to prepare for the transition. For now, her legacy is closely tied to a period that transformed the WNBA from a growing women's sports league into a much more prominent global sports property.
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