Story perspectives

WNBA Commissioner Engelbert Faces Criticism, May Depart After 2026

7/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is criticized by owners, executives, players and agents as wrong leader and may depart after 2026.
The league operates under a historic collective bargaining agreement while seeing unprecedented growth.
Engelbert told ESPN she is focused on the 30th season and remains optimistic about the league’s future.
Nine months after promising to address leadership concerns, sources say she has not built relationship equity with players, owners and management.

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Story summary

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert is criticized by owners, executives, players and agents as wrong leader and may depart after 2026.
The league operates under a historic collective bargaining agreement while seeing unprecedented growth.
Engelbert told ESPN she is focused on the 30th season and remains optimistic about the league’s future.
Nine months after promising to address leadership concerns, sources say she has not built relationship equity with players, owners and management.