WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Announces Retirement Effective After 2026 Season
Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA's first commissioner, will retire at the end of the 2026 season after a tenure marked by both league growth and controversy.
By Elena Petrova · First published 4 Sept 2026
In brief
- Cathy Engelbert will step down as WNBA commissioner at the end of the 2026 season after more than seven years in the role.
- Engelbert became the league's first commissioner in 2019, ushering in a period of significant expansion and new media deals.
- Her leadership has faced criticism from players, particularly over collective bargaining negotiations and recent league policies.
- During her tenure, the WNBA achieved record player salaries and expanded its reach, but also grappled with high-profile controversies.
- The league will soon begin searching for Engelbert's successor as her planned retirement date approaches.
Timeline · 6 moments
Cathy Engelbert named first WNBA commissioner
CBS Sports ↗Landmark collective bargaining agreement increases player salaries
CBS Top Stories ↗WNBA expands media partnerships and announces plans for league growth
Forbes ↗Players voice criticism over leadership and negotiations
L'Équipe ↗Controversy over league policies and high-profile players escalates
The Hill ↗Cathy Engelbert announces retirement effective end of 2026 season
NBC News ↗How it started
Cathy Engelbert was appointed as the WNBA's first commissioner in 2019. Before her leadership, the league was overseen by a president rather than a commissioner, marking her arrival as a significant shift in governance. Engelbert came from a business background and was tasked with modernizing and growing the league. Early in her tenure, she focused on strengthening the league's financial foundation and increasing player compensation.
How it unfolded
Engelbert's first years saw the negotiation of a landmark collective bargaining agreement, which resulted in WNBA players securing million-dollar salaries for the first time according to CBS Top Stories. Under her leadership, the league expanded its media partnerships and announced plans for growth, as noted by Forbes.
Despite these successes, Engelbert's tenure was not without tension. L'Équipe reported that she faced criticism from players, especially during tough labor negotiations and over recent league decisions. More recently, The Hill highlighted controversy surrounding her handling of high-profile players and league policies, including issues related to Caitlin Clark and transgender athlete participation.
On September 4, 2026, Engelbert and the WNBA confirmed she would retire at the end of the 2026 season, according to NBC News. The announcement put the league's leadership transition into focus, prompting discussions about her legacy and the next phase for the WNBA.
Where it stands
Cathy Engelbert remains in place as commissioner through the 2026 season. The league has not yet named a successor, but preparations for a search are underway. Her retirement marks the end of a pivotal era for the WNBA, with both achievements and ongoing debates shaping her legacy.
What to watch
The WNBA is expected to announce a formal process for selecting Engelbert's replacement as the 2026 season draws to a close. Observers will be watching to see how the league addresses ongoing player concerns and manages its next phase of growth during the leadership transition.
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