WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced Friday that she will retire following the 2026 season, concluding a seven-year tenure that saw substantial growth in league visibility and value. However, her time leading the league was also characterized by increasing political divisiveness and player disputes.
When Engelbert took over in 2019, the WNBA was smaller and less visible. By her departure, the league will have expanded, secured major media rights agreements, introduced charter travel, and negotiated significant increases in player compensation through a new collective bargaining agreement. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has described Engelbert's tenure as the most significant period of growth in WNBA history.
League Growth and Player Relations
Despite the league's expansion and financial gains, Engelbert's relationships with players have been described as tumultuous. A key moment that amplified the league's social justice role was the "Wubble" created in Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. While enabling the season to be played, the league also embraced prominent social-justice messaging. Players wore messages supporting causes such as Black Lives Matter and criminal Jacob Blake, leading some to view the WNBA as a politically divisive league. Engelbert allowed these stances, which some critics argue alienated fans seeking an escape from politics.
Engelbert also faced a controversy involving former Las Vegas Aces star Dearica Hamby, who alleged bullying and mistreatment after revealing her pregnancy. An investigation found the Aces violated league rules, resulting in the team losing a draft pick and their coach being suspended. This situation raised questions about the protection of pregnant athletes in professional sports.
Controversies and Political Stances
The introduction of charter flights for teams, a long-sought player demand, was announced in 2024. While previously deemed financially impractical, the shift was seen by many as a direct result of the increased attention and revenue generated by the arrival of star player Caitlin Clark. Engelbert herself noted the financial viability was questionable before Clark's impact.
Clark's rise also brought to the forefront issues of officiating and physical play. Repeated controversial incidents involving Clark led to widespread fan and player questioning of whether the league was adequately protecting its star player. Engelbert responded by announcing a committee to address the "state of the game" and officiating.
In 2025, players wore shirts reading "Pay Us What You Owe Us" during the All-Star Game, highlighting disputes over the league's revenue-sharing structure and player compensation amidst record-breaking revenue. A new collective bargaining agreement was eventually reached.
Player Criticism and Social Issues
Minnesota Lynx star and WNBPA vice president Napheesa Collier delivered a sharp public criticism in September 2025, labeling the WNBA leadership as the "worst in the world" and accusing the league of poor accountability and failing to address player concerns regarding officiating, safety, compensation, and communication. Other players, like Sophie Cunningham, also voiced criticism, calling for a commissioner who prioritizes players.
Engelbert also navigated the politically sensitive issue of transgender athlete participation in women's sports. A task force was formed, but critics argued that the league's leadership, influenced by left-wing ideology, failed to take a clear stance on biological sex and the definition of women's sports.
Engelbert's tenure will be remembered for the WNBA becoming a politically active league, a positioning that critics argue alienates a portion of the fanbase and is not a sound business model. Debates over fan behavior, political speech, and athlete participation in women's sports have become prominent during her final season, overshadowing the on-court action.