started · updated
Cathy Engelbert to step down as WNBA commissioner in 2026
Cathy Engelbert will step down as the commissioner of the WNBA on December 31, 2026, marking the end of a seven-year tenure. The announcement was made by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver on September 4, 2026.
Since being appointed as the league's first commissioner in 2019, Engelbert has overseen significant commercial and athletic expansion. Under her leadership, the league is projected to grow from 12 teams to 18 franchises by 2030. Her term also included the negotiation of new media rights deals and a 2026 collective bargaining agreement.
While her departure follows a period of tension regarding player relations and negotiations, Breanna Stewart, vice president of the players' union, noted that Engelbert deserves credit for her work on the new collective bargaining agreement. Engelbert stated her decision was personal and that she intends to assist with the leadership transition.
Entities
Adam Silver · Breanna Stewart · Cathy Engelbert · NBA · WNBA
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The WNBA has secured new media rights agreements and a 2026 collective bargaining agreement. extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Breanna Stewart praised Engelbert's role in developing the new collective bargaining agreement. www.basketusa.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The league is expanding from 12 teams to a planned 18 franchises by 2030. extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Cathy Engelbert will step down as WNBA commissioner on December 31, 2026. extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Engelbert has served as the WNBA's first commissioner since 2019. extra.com.co · www.hsbnoticias.com