WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert will retire on December 30, concluding her groundbreaking tenure that began in 2019. Engelbert, the league's first commissioner, expressed pride in leading a league with great potential and witnessed significant strides in women's sports during her time.

Wins

Engelbert faced immediate challenges, including the Covid-19 pandemic, which jeopardized her inaugural season. She successfully implemented the “Wubble” at IMG Academy, enabling a shortened 22-game season in 2020. Under her leadership, the regular season expanded to 44 games, with plans for 50 by 2027.

Her tenure has also been marked by:

• Historic growth in audience, attendance, sponsorship, and merchandise
• Expansion from 12 to 18 teams by 2030, including the Golden State Valkyries in 2025
• A landmark $3.1 billion media rights deal and a significant collective bargaining agreement (CBA) in 2023

The media rights deal led to an annual revenue increase of $281 million, featuring partners like Amazon, Disney, and NBC. The CBA raised the salary cap from $1.5 million to $7 million, providing players with 20% of shared revenue and establishing a $300,000 minimum salary.

Losses

However, Engelbert's tenure was not without controversy. She faced criticism for her communication style, particularly highlighted by Alyssa Thomas of the Phoenix Mercury, who lamented Engelbert's silence during a crisis involving death threats to players. Thomas stated, "It’s really unacceptable... I’m just really sick and tired of it."

Napheesa Collier also criticized Engelbert for dismissive comments regarding officiating and player compensation. Engelbert acknowledged the need for improved communication and expressed a commitment to better engagement with players moving forward.

Despite her achievements, the disconnect between Engelbert and the players has become evident, raising questions about the future dynamics of leadership within the league. Engelbert's legacy will encompass both the growth of the WNBA and the challenges of bridging the gap between the league and its players.