WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced her retirement at the end of this year, marking the conclusion of her over seven-year tenure leading the league. During her time in office, Engelbert played a pivotal role in negotiating a lucrative collective bargaining agreement earlier this year, resulting in the introduction of million-dollar player salaries for the first time in the league’s history.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hailed Engelbert’s leadership, acknowledging her significant contribution to the growth of the WNBA over the past 30 years. Engelbert revealed that her decision to retire had been on her mind for several months, emphasizing that she had initially planned to serve for 3 1/2 years, but her tenure had extended to 7 1/2 years due to various achievements, including finalizing the collective bargaining agreement and securing long-term media rights deals.
Engelbert emphasized that her retirement decision was entirely personal and not influenced by any external pressures. She mentioned that she had been preparing a succession plan over the past few years and confirmed that there are internal and external candidates being considered for her position.
Reflecting on her legacy, Engelbert highlighted the league’s remarkable growth during her tenure, showcasing record television ratings, increased attendance, a new media rights deal, and expansion to 18 teams by the end of the decade. She expressed pride in the accomplishments under her leadership, such as securing charter travel for players, navigating the challenges of the pandemic, and significantly enhancing the value of WNBA franchises.
Despite the successes, Engelbert acknowledged the challenges faced during her tenure, including social media backlash towards players and ongoing discussions around transgender athletes in the league. She reiterated her commitment to supporting players and ensuring their safety, emphasizing the importance of clear policies on eligibility issues.
Looking ahead to her retirement, Engelbert shared her plans to spend more time with her family, noting the impact of online hate on her loved ones. She humorously mentioned her family’s anticipation of her retirement, with her mother and children eager for more quality time together. As she prepares to step down on January 1, Engelbert leaves behind a legacy of growth and progress in women’s basketball under her stewardship.
