BREAKING: WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Is Reportedly Done
Cathy Engelbert’s time is almost over.
The WNBA could have a new commissioner after the 2026 season. According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, many people around the league believe Cathy Engelbert’s time in charge may be coming to an end.
Engelbert has served as WNBA commissioner since June 2019. During her time, the league has grown significantly in popularity and business. However, she has also faced increasing criticism over how she has handled some of the league’s biggest controversies, especially those involving Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark.
The criticism grew stronger after Clark was on the receiving end of several hard fouls this season. One of the biggest incidents happened when Phoenix Mercury star Alyssa Thomas made contact with Clark’s throat during a game.
According to Sports Business Journal, Engelbert did not originally plan to suspend Thomas. The report also said NBA commissioner Adam Silver encouraged her to hand out a one-game suspension.
League Insiders Expect Change After 2026
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (Photo By Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images)
According to ESPN’s Alexa Philippou, many people across the league now expect the 2026 season to be Engelbert’s final year as commissioner.
Philippou wrote that conversations with more than 20 people connected to the WNBA, including owners, executives, players, and industry insiders, pointed to the same conclusion. While many credited Engelbert for helping the league grow its business, they questioned whether she remains the right person to lead the WNBA through its current challenges.
Philippou reported, “Conversations with more than 20 stakeholders in and around the WNBA who spoke on the condition of anonymity, including owners, management, players and other industry insiders, offer a general belief that for as much business growth Engelbert has overseen, she’s not the right person to navigate the demands the league currently faces and what its stakeholders now need.”
Engelbert also drew criticism after she canceled a planned interview with Dan Patrick. She had agreed to discuss the Clark situation and other league issues before backing out.
Former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill criticized that decision.
“When Cathy Engelbert used gender as cover when she was asked difficult questions, it came off as small,” Hill said. “As commissioner, she’s supposed to set the tone for the league. I don’t think she’s built for the moment the W is in. She should be out front on this and she isn’t. Weak statements aren’t going to cut it.”
Philippou also reported that league sources expressed surprise that Engelbert did not build a closer relationship with Clark, whom many view as the WNBA’s biggest star and most marketable player.
Engelbert will speak with reporters before the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday. Reporters will likely ask her about ESPN’s report and her future with the league.