WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert to Retire in December
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced she will retire in December after more than seven years leading the league, a period characterized by significant growth and some challenges.
Detroit, MI, September 4, 2026 — The Commissioner of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), Cathy Engelbert, has announced her intention to retire in December. Engelbert has led the league for more than seven years.
Her tenure as commissioner has been marked by a period of significant growth for the WNBA, alongside notable challenges. The exact nature of these challenges was not detailed in the announcement.
Engelbert’s departure comes after an extensive period of leadership where she oversaw various aspects of the league’s development and operations. The timeframe of her leadership extends beyond seven years, making her one of the longest-serving commissioners in recent league history.
The WNBA has experienced an increase in public interest and commercial partnerships during her tenure. However, the league has also navigated complex issues inherent in professional sports leagues. Further details regarding the transition plan or a successor were not immediately available.
Story summarized from the original created by Doug Feinberg, Associated Press on www.clickondetroit.com, see more information here.
