Cathy Engelbert’s future as WNBA commissioner is facing uncertainty, according to reports suggesting she may step down once the current collective bargaining agreement negotiations are completed. While nothing has been officially confirmed, speculation has intensified within league circles as questions about her leadership continue to surface.
Engelbert, who became the league’s first commissioner in 2019, has overseen a period of growth highlighted by higher media exposure, increased sponsorships, and a rising wave of young stars like Caitlin Clark. However, sources claim that behind the scenes, frustration has been building regarding her management style and her ability to foster strong relationships with players, team executives, and other stakeholders.
Despite this chatter, the WNBA has moved quickly to dismiss the rumors. A league spokesperson firmly denied claims that Engelbert is planning to step down, framing the speculation as premature and inaccurate. Still, the timing of these reports—surfacing in the middle of critical labor negotiations—has fueled debate about whether the commissioner has enough support to continue leading the league long term.
The reported tension comes at a pivotal moment for the WNBA. With fan interest at an all-time high and new media deals expected to significantly increase league revenue, stable leadership will be crucial in shaping the next phase of the sport’s growth. How Engelbert’s role plays out could directly impact the league’s ability to navigate these transformative changes.
For now, Engelbert remains in her position, and the official message from the league is that she has no plans to leave. But as negotiations unfold and internal criticism continues, the question of whether she will remain commissioner beyond the current CBA talks remains one worth watching closely.
