Cathy Engelbert to retire as WNBA Commissioner at End of 2026

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Cathy Engelbert to retire as WNBA Commissioner at End of 2026 — BROOKLYN, NEW YORK - AUGUST 22: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is seen before the game between the New York Liberty and the Indiana Fever at Barclays Center on August 22, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced that she will retire from her position at the end of 2026, bringing her seven-year tenure as the league’s first-ever commissioner to a close.

Engelbert, who took over in 2019, made the announcement in a letter to WNBA players on Friday, saying: “I have decided to retire as Commissioner of the WNBA, effective December 31 of this year.”

Reflecting on her time in charge, Engelbert said the role became “seven plus years of the most meaningful, demanding, and rewarding years of my life.”

Her tenure has had a major period of growth for the WNBA: a new collective bargaining agreement, record media rights investment, increased player salaries and league expansion.

Engelbert thanked the players for challenging the league to improve, adding: “You made this league stronger, and you made me a better leader.”

She also expressed confidence in the WNBA’s future, writing: “I make this announcement with enormous pride in what we’ve accomplished together, profound gratitude for the opportunity to lead alongside you, and complete confidence that the future of the WNBA is brighter than ever.”

She will remain in the role through December 31 to oversee the transition to the next commissioner.