One hour after Team USA’s World Cup victory over China Friday morning, the WNBA announced that commissioner Cathy Engelbert is choosing to retire at the end of the year.
Talk about a Friday news dump. And not just any Friday — the one heading into Labor Day weekend.
Engelbert became the league’s first commissioner in 2019 and will leave her post after assisting with the transition to her successor.
“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,” she said in a statement.
“I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined. I am grateful to the WNBA and NBA team owners and staff, players, investors, fans and the powerhouse league office staff, who believed in what this league could become. I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come.”
The league has experienced significant growth during her time leading the league, supercharged by the arrival of Clark in 2024. Since then, it has taken off.
The WNBA expanded from 12 to 15 teams and has plans to add three more by 2030: Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia
“Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “We are grateful for Cathy’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women’s basketball.”
The next commissioner first needs to be able to connect with stakeholders, especially the players. There needs to be a relationship, open dialogue and a mutual respect.
From there, the league needs someone who can lead, has a vision and takes action. The moment is now for the WNBA, and it needs someone with a passion for the game — someone who commands a room and leads with authority.
It’s not an easy job, but the possibilities are intriguing.
