WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire in December
Summary
Cathy Engelbert will retire as WNBA Commissioner at the end of 2026 after more than seven years leading the league. During her time, the WNBA saw big growth in player salaries, franchise values, and fan engagement, as well as a new collective bargaining agreement and media rights deal.Key Facts
- Cathy Engelbert announced she will retire in December 2026.
- She served as WNBA Commissioner for over seven years.
- Under her leadership, the league introduced its first million-dollar player salaries.
- The average value of WNBA teams rose from $10 million in 2019 to about $460 million in 2026.
- Engelbert helped secure a new collective bargaining agreement and a historic media rights deal.
- The WNBA grew in fan viewership, game attendance, merchandise sales, and corporate partnerships.
- Engelbert addressed player safety concerns and online harassment aimed at players.
- She stated there are no current issues with transgender athlete eligibility in the league.
- Despite some tensions with players during negotiations, she said she had a good relationship with the players’ association.
- She plans to spend more time with her family after retiring.
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