Cathy Engelbert has decided to retire from her role as WNBA commissioner at the end of the season, the league announced Friday. Engelbert, the first commissioner in league history, has served in the role since 2019. "Cathy has presided over the WNBA through the most significant period of growth in the league's 30-year history," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said.
"We are grateful for Cathy's leadership and unwavering commitment to the advancement of women's basketball." "After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner," Engelbert said. "In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league's first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women's sports." Engelbert oversaw the signing of two collective bargaining agreements, including the most recent one earlier this year, which raised the salary cap to $7 million and created the first million-dollar salaries in league history.
She also led an expansion drive that started with the Golden State Valkyries and has since included the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo. Three additional teams -- in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia -- will join by 2030, bringing the league to a record 18 teams. While Engelbert helped usher in massive growth for the WNBA on the business side, she had come under significant fire in recent years for her poor relationship with players.
Most notably, Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier said last year, "We have the best players in the world. We have the best fans in the world, but right now we have the worst leadership in the world." As of now, there is no indication as to who will take over for Engelbert. CBS Sports will continue to update this breaking news story.
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