Cathy Engelbert

“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,”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-09-04 · reported 2026-09-04

Engelbert announced her retirement at the end of 2026 in a statement released by the league on Friday.

“I retire with immense gratitude and tremendous optimism for the future of the WNBA, with the best yet to come.”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-09-04 · reported 2026-09-04

Engelbert expressed gratitude and optimism for the WNBA's future in her retirement statement released on Friday.

“I retire knowing we have built something bigger, stronger and more enduring than we could have imagined,”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-09-04 · reported 2026-09-04

Engelbert reflected on the league's growth in her retirement statement released on Friday.

“We're being the center of political football for people who have never watched the WNBA, never have written about the WNBA or reported on the WNBA. … There's always going to be haters out there, and we denounce it.”

Cathy Engelbert · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-22

Cathy Engelbert criticized external political commentary regarding the WNBA.

“People are trying to use the league to sow divisiveness,”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21

Cathy Engelbert commented on the debate surrounding transgender athletes in the WNBA.

“We’re being the center of political football for people who have never watched the WNBA, never have written about the WNBA or reported on the WNBA,”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21

Cathy Engelbert criticized outside commentators using the league as a political football.

“But that’s what happens when you have made it as a legitimate sports media and entertainment product.”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21

Cathy Engelbert reflected on the attention the league receives as a major sports product.

“There’s always going to be haters out there and we denounce it,”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-08-20 · reported 2026-08-21

Cathy Engelbert addressed outside criticism and backlash regarding the league.

“Obviously I am so blessed to be at the helm of this league during this incredible hypergrowth period, so blessed that these players are putting the product on the court they are every night, that they stand for the values that the W has long sought for,”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-07-25 · reported 2026-07-26

During her pre-All-Star Game press conference, Engelbert spoke about leading the league through a period of growth.

“I will just continue to do my job, execute the strategy because it has been working. Make sure we listen to the players, communicate with the players.”

Cathy Engelbert · said 2026-07-25 · reported 2026-07-26

Engelbert said she would continue executing her strategy and communicating with players amid scrutiny over her future.