WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to retire in December

Cathy Engelbert will leave her post as WNBA commissioner at the end of the year, closing a more than seven-year tenure marked by rapid financial and cultural growth in women’s basketball.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Engelbert led the WNBA through “the most significant period of growth in the league’s 30-year history.” During her tenure, the league reported gains in viewership, digital engagement, attendance, merchandise sales, corporate partnerships and franchise valuations.

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Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history.

Engelbert told The Associated Press that she had considered retirement for months. She said she initially expected to spend three and a half years in the role, but remained for seven and a half. She described the timing as appropriate after completing a collective bargaining agreement, a long-term media rights deal and league expansion.

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

The new agreement produced the first million-dollar player salaries in WNBA history. Engelbert also cited charter travel for players, keeping the league operating during the coronavirus pandemic and the rise in franchise values among her proudest achievements. The average franchise value increased from $10 million in 2019 to about $460 million in 2026.

The league’s expansion has also brought tension. Players have reported more social-media abuse, and some say the WNBA has not done enough to protect their safety. The league has also faced debate over transgender athletes. Engelbert said online attacks were unacceptable and supported league measures to protect players. She said the decision to retire was hers alone and that “a great leader senses when it’s time for someone else to come in.”

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A great leader senses when it's time for someone else to come in.