WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert Announced Search for Successor

During a press event before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Saturday, Engelbert mentioned that she has been receiving updates from the search firm as they reach out to prospective candidates. "I had candidates that I submitted, a lot of us did, and a lot of people have called. So the good news is, there’s people who really want to take on this role, which I think is great," Engelbert stated.

Engelbert outlined key characteristics for her successor, emphasizing the need for resilience and the ability to foster relationships with players, agents, and stakeholders. "It's like a multi-dimensional role. You have to have very thick skin," she noted.

As the second-longest tenured commissioner in WNBA history, Engelbert played a pivotal role in negotiating the league's first set of million-dollar player salaries through a new collective bargaining agreement earlier this year. However, her tenure has also faced challenges, including tensions with players during contract negotiations and controversies surrounding officiating and social media backlash.

In her final state-of-the-league address, Engelbert addressed the necessity of supporting players against online vitriol. "To continue to condemn those that are using behind a keyboard to spew vitriol and hate and racism and misogyny at our players continues to be unacceptable," she said. The league has taken steps to enhance player security both physically and digitally in light of these issues.

Under Engelbert’s leadership, the WNBA has seen significant growth, highlighted by record TV ratings, strong attendance, and a new long-term media rights deal. This season, 51 games surpassed one million viewers, a noticeable increase from 19 the previous season, and attendance hit a historic high of 3.8 million fans.

Engelbert also confirmed recent renovations to the official replay center in New Jersey, which aims to improve officiating technology for next season. She reported that viewership for the WNBA surged, with over 200% growth on Amazon, allowing the league to gain traction in 240 countries.

Reflecting on her seven-plus years as commissioner, Engelbert expressed pride in the growth of the WNBA but deferred discussions of her legacy to others. She noted the expansion of staff in the league office, which she believes has been fundamental to the league's progress. Engelbert highlighted the hiring of a chief growth officer and chief marketing officer, doubling the number of personnel dedicated to these areas since she took office.