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Engelbert Likely Final Year as WNBA Expands, Salaries Surge 400%

7/26/2026

50 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Engelbert Faces Exit

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, whose contract ends after 2026, dodged a question about staying on in 2027 in Chicago, leading sources to expect it will be her last year.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised league growth under Engelbert but said discussions about her future continue.
The CBA lifted player salaries by almost 400% and secured $3.1 billion in media-rights revenue over 11 years.

Summary

Engelbert Tackles Harassment

Engelbert met player committees to craft plans against online harassment and cybersecurity threats.
Chelsea Gray reported a racial-slur message, prompting league-wide safety measures.
The league added Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire and slated Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030) to join.
Sandy Brondello and Alyssa Thomas each received a one-game suspension for separate incidents, with Thomas later receiving death threats.

History

Historical Context

The WNBA began in 1997 with eight franchises and grew to 16 teams by 2002 before shrinking to 12 by 2024. In 2025 the Golden State Valkyries paid $50 million to join, and Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire are slated for 2026 with $115 million and $125 million fees. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert aims for 16 teams by 2028, echoing earlier expansion cycles.

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Engelbert Faces Exit

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, whose contract ends after 2026, dodged a question about staying on in 2027 in Chicago, leading sources to expect it will be her last year.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver praised league growth under Engelbert but said discussions about her future continue.
The CBA lifted player salaries by almost 400% and secured $3.1 billion in media-rights revenue over 11 years.

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