WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced that a search firm is currently vetting candidates for her position, following her decision to retire at the end of the calendar year. Speaking before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals, she confirmed that updates are being provided as the firm reaches out to potential successors.
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Engelbert noted that many individuals have expressed interest in the role. "I had candidates that I submitted, a lot of us did, and a lot of people have called. So the good news is, there are people who really want to take on this role, which I think is great," she stated.
She emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of the commissioner’s responsibilities, highlighting the need for a candidate with thick skin and confidence to foster relationships with players, agents, and stakeholders. Engelbert, who has served as commissioner for over seven years, is the second-longest tenured in that role. During her tenure, she played a crucial role in negotiating a collective bargaining agreement that resulted in the league's first million-dollar player salaries.
Despite significant growth, her leadership has faced challenges, including a strained relationship with players during contract negotiations and controversies regarding officiating and social media backlash against WNBA participants. Engelbert addressed the need for continued support for players facing online vitriol, stating, "It continues to be unacceptable... We've made those investments in cyber security and physical security for our players."
The league has seen record television ratings, strong attendance, and a long-term media rights deal, with 3.8 million fans attending games this season—the highest in WNBA history. Engelbert shared that viewership was up more than 200% on Amazon, making the WNBA visible in 240 countries.
In partnership with the NBA, the league has completed a multi-million dollar renovation of its official replay center, set to be fully operational next season. Engelbert discussed her achievements in building the league's capabilities, expanding the office staff from 12 to nearly 100, and focusing on hiring strong leaders to drive growth. She concluded by indicating her pride in the team built during her tenure, while refraining from commenting on her personal legacy.