The WNBA has achieved a remarkable milestone this season, reaching over 90 million viewers, marking a record for the league. As the season progresses, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert reflects on her seven-year tenure during what is expected to be her final press conference before retirement at the end of the year.
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Engelbert announced that a search firm is currently vetting candidates to find her successor. She stated that the next commissioner will need to possess "thick skin" to navigate the challenges the league faces, a sentiment echoed during discussions about her time in office.
Under Engelbert's leadership, the WNBA has seen significant growth, highlighted by improvements in league infrastructure and heightened media exposure. She mentioned that free agency and new team-building strategies have contributed to increased competition across the league.
Following a multimillion-dollar renovation, the WNBA's Replay Center is set to become fully operational by the 2027 season. Engelbert confirmed that all 15 WNBA arenas will be equipped with the necessary technology, enhancing officiating standards in the league.
As the 2026 WNBA Finals unfold with the Golden State Valkyries taking on the Atlanta Dream, Engelbert expressed optimism about the future, indicating that the league could expand beyond its current roster of teams as early as 2030, with Sacramento being a potential new market.
The ongoing Finals represent a pivotal moment, with both teams vying for their first championship in this historic season.