WNBA’s Cathy Engelbert Set to Retire After 2026 Season

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire after 2026 season

Cathy Engelbert announces retirement after seven years leading WNBA growth. 

Engelbert to exit as WNBA commissioner following $3.1b media deal era...

  

Cathy Engelbert will step down as WNBA commissioner after the 2026 season, she announced Friday, closing out seven years on the job that included a new CBA with the players’ union last March.

Engelbert was hired in May 2019 as the league’s first commissioner. At the time the 12-team WNBA drew 1.3 million fans and franchises were valued around $10 million.

Under her leadership the league signed $3.1 billion in media rights, expanded the schedule to a record 50 games per team, and grew to 15 teams with plans for 18 by 2030. Franchise valuations have climbed to about $460 million.

“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,” Engelbert said in a statement.

“Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women's sports.”

The media rights deals brought a historic jump in player salaries and benefits, though some players have criticized league leadership on issues like player harassment and officiating standards.

“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.

“We're grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball.”

The announcement came during the WNBA’s break for the Women’s Basketball World Cup in Germany, with the league’s playoffs set to wrap up next month.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Retire at the End of 2026 pic.twitter.com/Ul7qV4dm33

— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) September 4, 2026

“We have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined,” Engelbert said.

“I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come.”