WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert declined to directly address questions about her future with the league during her annual press conference ahead of the All-Star Game on Saturday. Her contract is set to expire at the end of the year, and her tenure has faced increasing criticism over the past year.
When asked if she expected to remain in her position for the 2027 season, Engelbert stated, “I will just continue to do my job, execute the strategy because it has been working.” She highlighted the league's "incredible hypergrowth period," noting that the WNBA is on pace to break attendance records and has already surpassed last season's television viewership numbers.
Engelbert's relationship with players has been a focal point of scrutiny, particularly amid contentious collective bargaining agreement negotiations and ongoing issues such as online harassment, security concerns, and officiating. Some players have expressed a desire for improved communication and accountability from league leadership. Lynx star Napheesa Collier previously criticized the WNBA's leadership, calling it the "worst in the world" and citing a lack of accountability at the top.
Liberty star Sabrina Ionescu noted that she has more communication with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver than with Engelbert. WNBPA vice president Breanna Stewart expressed uncertainty about Engelbert's future, stating, “It’s not my place to say if she should be here or she should not.”
WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike emphasized the importance of the relationship between players and leadership, stating that efforts are ongoing to build trust and improve communication channels. Ogwumike indicated a need for players to feel approachable to discuss issues with Engelbert without it becoming reactive.
Engelbert acknowledged the need for improved communication, noting that the league utilizes email extensively but that players do not always check them. She mentioned efforts to reach out to players during significant moments, such as honors or injuries. "Everybody needs to be better at communication, I think, all the time," Engelbert said. "So we’ll continue to work on that and communicate."
Despite the challenges, the WNBA has experienced significant growth since Engelbert became the league's first commissioner in 2019. However, decisions such as the 2022 sale of a 16 percent stake for $75 million have been viewed critically in retrospect. Engelbert suggested that the league is navigating a period of intense growth and that she is focused on executing the current strategy. The league has not commented on Engelbert's contract status beyond her statement.