Cathy Engelbert is set to announce her retirement as WNBA commissioner. Who could succeed her in the W throne?
While some of its prominent stars compete in the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, the WNBA brought forth some intriguing news back stateside on Friday.
Cathy Engelbert, the league’s first commissioner, announced that she will retire from her post at the end of this calendar year, ending what will be a seven-year tenure. Engelbert’s departure was first reported by Alexa Philippou of ESPN and confirmed in a league statement.
“After more than seven years at the WNBA and more than 40 total years in business, I have made the decision to retire as WNBA Commissioner,” Engelbert said in the statement. “In 2019, I had the privilege of being appointed the league’s first commissioner and to lead a league with enormous potential yet untapped awareness and significant undervaluation. Over the years, it has been amazing to watch WNBA players thrive and lead the massive cultural surge around women’s sports.”
WNBA Players Association president Nneka Ogwumike released a statement in response to the news.
“As the league’s first Commissioner, she championed new growth initiatives, created innovative marketing opportunities for players, and helped drive historic expansion as franchise values reached new heights,” added Ogwumike. “That expansion speaks to the growing confidence among investors, partners, fans, communities, the players, and to the long-term sustainability of women’s basketball as a business. Leading through this much change is no small undertaking, and I have great respect for the commitment Cathy brought to the role. We appreciate all she has given to the WNBA and the stronger foundation she leaves for the league and the players.”
Possible Replacements as WNBA Commissioner
Engelbert was the first to hold the title of WNBA commissioner, with previous leaders going with the title of president. Her tenure was marked by developments such as the ratification of a groundbreaking collective bargaining agreement, expanded league and roster sizes, and a new media deal while some players were critical of her leadership. This was particularly during the CBA negotiations that lasted through the cusp of the season premiere.
Engelbert’s departure begs the question of what, or who, is next for a league that has made undeniable growth in the mainstream consciousness. Names from both the sports and business circuits will no doubt be considered, with Engelbert previously making a name for herself as CEO of Deloitte. With the ink on Engelbert’s farewell letter drying, BIL has three early candidates from the former realm …
Micky Lawler
Following some tense negotiations that nearly infiltrated the landmark 30th season, the WNBA could look for a name that would pique the interest of players while maintaining the management experience necessary for protection of a bottom line. That could lead them to Lawler, the former tennis executive who now serves as the commissioner of Unrivaled, the domestic three-on-three league set to return for its third season this winter.
Lawler could bring the best of both worlds to the table. Unrivaled has primarily succeeded as an in-person experience, thriving when it broke out of its South Floridian shell, as visits to Brooklyn and Philadelphia set attendance records at those respective arenas. Lawler’s relationship with Unrivaled founders and WNBA/WNBPA headliners Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart could also soothe any potential awkwardness between the players and a new commissioner.
Micky Lawler is OFFICIALLY UNRIVALED
Say hello to our FIRST-EVER COMMISH @MickyLawler pic.twitter.com/n97IgKciFl
— Unrivaled Basketball (@Unrivaledwbb) June 27, 2024
Nneka Ogwumike
Engelbert follows Ogwumike into the great unknown, with the current Los Angeles Spark nearing the final four games of an accomplished WNBA career. From the minute Ogwumike made her announcement, the idea of the current WNBA Players Association president taking over for Engelbert generated at least some momentum.
It’s rare to see players ascend to major business positions in the sports realm, but Ogwumike’s equally accomplished work in the boardroom (having overseen several CBA negotiation periods on behalf of players) gives her a unique edge. In this era of growing player empowerment, Ogwumike could serve as a brilliant bridge between players and management. Ogwumike has stated that she might not be ready for such duties quite yet, but making the best of an awkward situation has partly defined her playing career, so it’d hardly be a shock to see her thrive in such a position.
EXCLUSIVE: @nnekaogwumike is calling it a career after this season. pic.twitter.com/wrvFCQpGcK
— Boardroom (@boardroom) August 19, 2026
Jess Smith
One of the most undeniably strong bullets that Engelbert has on her WNBA resume is the fact that team valuations steadily increased under her watch. Plenty of notable minds made that happen, of course, and Smith oversaw the most prominent example down by the Bay (Area): the inaugural president of the Golden State Valkyries has taken quite the lucrative ride, as the sophomore squad became the first women’s professional sports franchise valued at $1 billion.
For her efforts, the former Angel City Football Club head of revenue was named the debut winner of the WNBA’s Business Executive Leadership Award meant to recognize “exceptional leadership in driving meaningful business transformation.” At just 39, Smith is already on the league’s radar. Someone who has essentially developed amidst the league’s growth could be the right voice to lead it into the future.
There’s nothing quite like Ballhalla
@valkyries President Jess Smith speaks on the environment The Bay has created and what All-Star fans can expect next summer! pic.twitter.com/jYW19zGxIY
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 18, 2026
Geoff Magliocchetti is on X @GeoffJMags
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