In a stunning announcement that has rocked the world of women’s basketball, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert revealed she will step down from her position at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The decision, made after months of internal deliberations and mounting external pressures, comes as the league closes out what has been another record-breaking year, marked by unprecedented viewership, attendance, and expansion.
Engelbert, who became the league’s first commissioner in July 2019 after a distinguished 33-year career at Deloitte where she served as its inaugural female CEO, has presided over a transformative era for the WNBA. Under her leadership, the league secured a historic player-first Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2020, expanded to include new franchises in San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto, and announced further growth with teams in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). Revenue has soared, with 2025 seeing a 200% increase in media deals and over 2 billion social media views, fueled by stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Attendance hit new highs, with sellouts becoming routine, and the All-Star Game drew 3.4 million viewers.
Yet, Engelbert’s tenure has not been without turbulence. The decision to step down follows a series of controversies that have eroded her standing. In September 2024, her CNBC interview response to questions about racist, misogynistic, and homophobic online abuse targeting players—particularly amid the Clark-Reese rivalry—drew sharp backlash. Critics, including the Women’s National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA), accused her of prioritizing business growth over player safety, with executive director Terri Jackson issuing a statement condemning the “vile hate” she failed to directly address. Engelbert later apologized in a letter to players, admitting she “missed the mark” and pledging league action, but the damage lingered.
Tensions escalated in 2025 during heated CBA negotiations. Players, including Clark and Phoenix Mercury forward Satou Sabally, publicly called out Engelbert for stagnant salaries despite the league’s “hypergrowth.” Clark highlighted the irony of Commissioner’s Cup prizes exceeding championship bonuses, urging, “Someone tell Cathy to help us out.” Sabally slammed the grueling 44-game schedule, labeling it “irresponsible” after a brutal stretch of nine games in 18 days. At the All-Star Game, crowds booed Engelbert, chanting “Pay Them!” as demands for revenue sharing—currently at just 10% for players compared to 50% in major men’s leagues—intensified. Fan accusations of bias, including perceived favoritism toward the New York Liberty during the 2024 Finals, added fuel to calls for her resignation.
In a statement released today, Engelbert reflected on her journey: “Serving as WNBA Commissioner has been the honor of my life. We’ve built a foundation for sustainable success, but it’s time for fresh leadership to guide the next chapter. Various factors, including the rigors of CBA talks and ensuring player welfare, influenced this decision.” WNBA Board of Governors Chair Adam Silver praised her contributions but acknowledged the need for evolution.
The search for a successor begins immediately, with speculation centering on candidates from within the NBA or women’s sports advocacy. As the 2025 season winds down—poised for another finals spectacle—the league stands at a crossroads. Engelbert’s exit caps a legacy of growth amid growing pains, leaving fans and players hopeful for a more equitable future.
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