WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire at end of calendar year, ending controversial tenure
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert is retiring at the end of the calendar year.
Englebert was the first-ever WNBA commissioner in league history, serving in the role for seven years. The news was announced by NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” Silver said in the WNBA’s statement. “We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”
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WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026, in New York City. (Getty Images)
The timing of her retirement comes after a year full of controversy in the WNBA. Indiana Fever’s Sophie Cunningham’s comments about trans athletes in women’s sports and the treatment of Caitlin Clark have been the dominating storylines throughout this season.
“After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner,” Englebert said in a statement.
“In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league’s first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.”
This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates.
